Kathputli

About Kathputli:

• Kathputlis is a traditional string puppet play from Rajasthan.
• It is one of Rajasthan’s oldest folk art forms.
• Historically, Kathputli performances were used by travelling performers to narrate tales of Rajput kings, brave warriors, folk heroes, and moral stories to village audiences.
• The name comes from kath(wood) and putli (doll), reflecting their simple yet expressive construction.
  • A kathaputli is made up of wood, cloth, thread, and metal wire. Its upper body is made up of wood, and the rest is made of cotton and fabric. 
• They do not have legs and are covered with long trailing skirts.
• The puppeteer manipulates them with his fingers tied with two to five strings.
• Features of Kathputli:
  • They possess distinctive facial features like large eyes, oval faces, large lips, and arched eyebrows.
  • Their colourful attire draw inspiration from royal courts and desert traditions, while their sharp features and exaggerated expressions add drama to every movement.
  • Theme: Each puppet represents a character from everyday life or folklore.
  • It is accompanied by folk music on the dholak and
  • The performances brim with humour, music, and satire, often reflecting social realities alongside legendary tales.