String Puppets
The traditional puppets went from place to place to entertain the people with legends from myths and histories romances the puppeteers show influence of the paintings. costumes, sculptures and decorative art from their region which they belong.
Bommalattam
Strings are tied on the head of the puppet and in the two hands. Using metal ring the strings are attached on the head. Remarkably Skillful Art. The strings are connected to a metal ring on the puppet’s head, which control and manipulation. This method requires remarkable skill from the puppeteer, who controls the strings to animate the puppet’s actions and expressions.
Regions – Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka
Shadow Puppets
They are flat, leather made translucent, when they are pressed against the screen with strong source of light. Puppets are made up of animal hides, colorful costumes. Popular in A.P, MH, Karnataka and Odisha.
Tholu Bommallatom
In Andhra Pradesh, traditional puppetry features larger puppets with notable articulation at the knees, waist, and ankles. These puppets, often grand in scale, are used to dramatize stories drawn from epic tales, such as those from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The performances are enhanced by regional music, which adds a rich, auditory dimension to the storytelling. A vibrant and immersive cultural experience, highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s unique contribution to the art of puppetry.
Ravan chhaya
In Odisha, a distinctive style of puppetry involves using puppets crafted from deer skin. These puppets are jointless, fashioned from a single piece of skin, which enhances their durability and flexibility. Both human and animal characters are depicted in these performances, and even chariots are meticulously maintained and incorporated into the shows. This traditional art form is renowned for its unique material and intricate craftsmanship, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Odisha and showcasing the region’s expertise in puppet making and storytelling.
Togalu Gombeyatta
In Karnataka, traditional puppetry features smaller-sized puppets that typically depict common characters and scenes. These smaller puppets are used in everyday performances, bringing lively and engaging stories to audiences. The puppets representing kings and religious figures are larger, reflecting their significant roles and enhancing their visual impact on stage. This distinction in puppet size highlights the importance of character and status in the storytelling tradition of Karnataka.
Glove Puppets
In traditional Indian puppetry, puppets are often manipulated in full view of the audience, enhancing the theatrical experience. Known as sleeve or palm hand puppets, these figures are controlled with impressive skill by the puppeteer, who uses three fingers to maneuver the puppet while simultaneously playing a dholak, a traditional drum, with the other hand. This captivating form of performance is prevalent in regions such as West Bengal, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh.
Rod Puppets
In traditional Indian puppetry, some puppets are significantly larger than glove puppets and are manipulated using rods from below the stage. One notable example is the Patul Nach of West Bengal, a distinctive art form where a large wooden doll is carved and attached to a pole. This pole is then secured to the waist of the puppeteer, who operates the puppet from behind a screen.
Yampuri
In Bihar, the rod puppet show is a celebrated traditional art form featuring puppets that stand between three to four feet tall. These puppets are crafted from a single piece of wood, with no joints, which adds to the complexity of their manipulation. The seamless integration of these elements is essential for bringing the rod puppets to life, showcasing the puppeteer’s expertise and the rich cultural heritage of Bihar’s puppetry tradition.
