Strings of Tradition

The Kathputli of Rajasthan is believed to be more than a thousand- year- old form of puppetry. Practiced mainly by the ‘Bhat’ community (a nomadic community of Rajasthan), who claim that this art form was performed by their ancestors for the royal families of the region. The ‘Bhats’, sometimes also called as ‘Nats’ were puppeteers who wandered from village to village along with their portable theatres. They entertained the gatherings by narrating stories of heroes from mythological and social traditions. Today, these communities have settled down in different parts of Rajasthan and continue to practice this ancient craft. The Rajasthan Kathputlis have their own unique specialty. Carved out of a single piece of wood, these puppets are approximately 30 centimeters in height, with a headgear that is also carved out of the same wood. The eyes of the Kathputlis are elongated and stylized while the faces are usually painted yellow. The bodies and limbs are made of mango wood and stuffed with cotton. Most of the puppets have no legs and thus the movements are free. Attached to long strings, the puppets are draped in long trailing skirts that hide the missing legs. With a slight jerk of strings that are wrapped around their fingers, the puppeteers regulate the movements of the hands, neck and shoulders of these puppets.

A Kathputli performance is presented to the audience by placing two string beds vertically and tying bamboos across them. A dark colour curtain is hung at the back, while a colourful curtain with three arches, called Tibara, hangs at the front. This curtain hides the puppeteers’ body and feet during the performance. Dialogues are coordinated with songs sung by women, along with music from dholak (musical instrument), while the Kathputlis dance to the tune of the Bhats’ fingers. The captivating performances of Kathputlis, accompanied by music, drama and storytelling, can leave one spell bound for hours. The dexterity with which the ‘Nats’ pull the strings making the puppets dance to the rhythm of their fingers, is truly mesmerizing. Amongst the many stories performed at a Kathputli show, the most popular one is the story of King Amar Singh Rathode, who lived around the time of Shahjahan.