GiTAGGED® Rajasthan Khatputli Earring

Rajasthan Kathputli

The puppet playing tradition of Rajasthan is an ancient art form that has entertained mankind for generations. The puppets are controlled by strings or marionettes known as Katputhlis.

Origin
The art of Rajasthani Puppet (also called Kathputlis of Rajasthan) originated a thousand years back. The name Kathputli is derived from two regional Rajasthani language words Kath means wood, and Putli means a doll or puppet, which has no life. So basically, Kathputli means a puppet which is made totally of wood. Altogether, it is made up of wood, cotton cloth, and metal wire.

Community
This art of Puppetry in India is practiced by Bhats, a community of agricultural laborers of Rajasthan. These people have been involved with Rajasthani String Puppetry to carry forward their traditional profession.

Similar to these puppets, which are rod-puppets, are also found in West Bengal. But it is absolutely Rajasthan’s incredible Kathputli which has made India one of the first countries to originate its own traditional puppetry. Rajasthani folks have been performing this art from ancient times and it has become an immortal part of Rajasthani culture and tradition. All of the village fairs, religious festivals, and social gatherings in Rajasthan are incomplete without the Kathputlis. The tradition of Kathputli is inspired by folk tales and stories. The oral history of the region is reflected within them. They are a part of the traditional performance of puppetry, narrating an event from history, myths, tradition, along with the music and speech. It is one of the oldest forms of entertainment in India.

Culture
Rajasthani String Puppetry is one of the most dynamic elements of Indian culture and they are unique in their own ways. These lovely and colorful String Puppets in India are hand-carved using wood and cloth. The head of these puppets is made out of wood and colored according to the character they portray in the drama.

Uniqueness
Strings are attached to the head for handling the movements of the puppet. The faces are normally painted yellow or any light color. Unlike the other String Puppets of India, the body up to the waist and hands of Rajasthani Puppets, are made up of stuffed rags, cotton or cloth scraps. The hands have no joints and the absence of legs is not noticed because of the long-trailed skirt made of colorful cloth.