Kathputli is a form of puppet art aboriginal to the Indian state of Rajasthan. Being a string marionette, it is controlled by a single string that passes from the top of the puppet over the puppeteers.
Etymology
editKathputli is a join of Kath meaning wood and Putli meaning puppet. Kathputli means a puppet which is made entirely from wood. However it is made out of wood, cotton cloth and metal wire.
Origine
editSome scholars believe Kathputli art tradition is more than thousands years old.[1] One finds its reference in Rajasthani folk tales, ballads and sometimes even in folk songs. The tribes of Rajasthan have been using this art from the ancient times and it has become an eternal part of Rajasthini culture and tradition. It is believed that somewhere 1500 years ago, tribal Rajasthani Bhat community started the use of Kathputli as string marionette art and it is in their love for tradition that art of Kathputli survived the test of time. Bhat community claim that their ancestors had performed for royal families, and received great honour and prestige from the rulers of Rajasthan. Today Kathputli art is one of the most popular performing arts of Rajasthan after Ghoomar. Tradition of Kathputli is based on folk tales and stories. Scholars believe that folk tales convey the lifestyle of ancient Rajasthani tribal people and Kathputli art might have originated from present day Nagaur and surrounding areas.[2]