Folk Art- Puppetry

8/6/2019 Folk Art- Puppetry

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Folk PerformancesFolk Performances --PuppetryPuppetry

-- Taking Tradition Forward, with Strings AttachedTaking Tradition Forward, with Strings Attached


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Puppets have served as analogy for matters rangingPuppets have served as analogy for matters rangingfrom spirituality to politics to commercialisation.from spirituality to politics to commercialisation.Humankind is often referred to as 'puppets of God'.Humankind is often referred to as 'puppets of God'.

Puppetry is used in almost all human societies both asPuppetry is used in almost all human societies both asan entertainmentan entertainment in performancein performance and ceremoniallyand ceremonially

in rituals and celebrations such as carnivals. Right fromin rituals and celebrations such as carnivals. Right fromancient times to date, the people use puppets inancient times to date, the people use puppets inceremonies in secret societies, ethnic groups, healingceremonies in secret societies, ethnic groups, healingand hunting ceremonies, ritual dramas, and forand hunting ceremonies, ritual dramas, and forentertainment.entertainment.

Most puppetry involves storytelling. The impact ofMost puppetry involves storytelling. The impact ofpuppetry depends on the process of transformation ofpuppetry depends on the process of transformation ofpuppets, which has much in common with magic andpuppets, which has much in common with magic andwith play.with play.


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Puppetry has coPuppetry has co--existed with its allied arts of theatre, music,existed with its allied arts of theatre, music,

dance and design, without which the art would not be what itdance and design, without which the art would not be what it

has developed into today. And while it borrows from these arthas developed into today. And while it borrows from these art

forms it also lends to them its own values of objectivity,forms it also lends to them its own values of objectivity,

stylization and movement.stylization and movement. The puppet play has a functionThe puppet play has a function-- it is religious of entertaining,it is religious of entertaining,

political or abstract, an imitation of reality to a glimpse of thepolitical or abstract, an imitation of reality to a glimpse of the

unknown.unknown.


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HistoryHistory

There is evidence that puppets were used in Egypt as early as 2000There is evidence that puppets were used in Egypt as early as 2000BC when stringBC when string--operated figures of wood were manipulated tooperated figures of wood were manipulated toperform the action of kneading bread.perform the action of kneading bread.

Wire controlled, articulated puppets made of clay and ivory haveWire controlled, articulated puppets made of clay and ivory havealso been found in Egyptian tombs. Hieroglyphs also describealso been found in Egyptian tombs. Hieroglyphs also describe"walking statues" being used in Ancient Egyptian religious dramas."walking statues" being used in Ancient Egyptian religious dramas.

Some of the earliest kinds of puppets were tribal ritual masks withSome of the earliest kinds of puppets were tribal ritual masks withhinged jaws or jointed skulls used in religious ceremonies. Puppetshinged jaws or jointed skulls used in religious ceremonies. Puppetsseemed to have evolved from these masks to doll like figures withseemed to have evolved from these masks to doll like figures withmoving limbs.moving limbs.

Native American Indians used puppets in their corn festivals andNative American Indians used puppets in their corn festivals andceremonial dances. Egyptians made jointed puppets from terraceremonial dances. Egyptians made jointed puppets from terracotta.cotta.


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Puppets and jointed dolls

from ancient Egypt


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History (.contd.)History (.contd.)

In The Middle Ages the Christian Church used puppets to spreadIn The Middle Ages the Christian Church used puppets to spreadchurch doctrine. Monks and priests were the puppeteers.church doctrine. Monks and priests were the puppeteers.

Puppets made their first emergence in Europe through Greece.Puppets made their first emergence in Europe through Greece.Puppet plays were shown at the Theatre of Dionysus at Acropolis.Puppet plays were shown at the Theatre of Dionysus at Acropolis.

This gave rise to theThis gave rise to the commedia dell'artecommedia dell'arte tradition, wheretradition, whereperformers travelled from place to place in halfperformers travelled from place to place in half--masks or withmasks or withpuppets.puppets.

Puppeteers did not enjoy a high social status and consisted mostlyPuppeteers did not enjoy a high social status and consisted mostlyof the then pariah groups like Jews and Gypsies. However, inof the then pariah groups like Jews and Gypsies. However, in1310, the Church began to encourage puppetry, which helped it1310, the Church began to encourage puppetry, which helped itflourish. Italian puppet shows, known asflourish. Italian puppet shows, known as marionettesmarionettes, produced, producedmomentous shows like the tragedy 'Dr. Faust'.momentous shows like the tragedy 'Dr. Faust'.


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Origins of Puppetry in IndiaOrigins of Puppetry in India

Evidence of earliest puppetry comes from the excavations at theEvidence of earliest puppetry comes from the excavations at theIndus Valley Civilization. Archaeologists have unearthed terracottaIndus Valley Civilization. Archaeologists have unearthed terracottadolls with detachable heads capable of manipulation by a stringdolls with detachable heads capable of manipulation by a stringdating to 2500 BC. Other excavations include terracotta animalsdating to 2500 BC. Other excavations include terracotta animalswhich could be manipulated up and down a stick, achievingwhich could be manipulated up and down a stick, achievingminimum animation in both cases.minimum animation in both cases.

The epicThe epic MahabharataMahabharata, Tamil literature from the Sangam Era, and, Tamil literature from the Sangam Era, and

various literary, including Ashokan edicts, describe puppets.various literary, including Ashokan edicts, describe puppets. Some scholars trace the origin of puppets to India 4000 years ago,Some scholars trace the origin of puppets to India 4000 years ago,

where the main character in Sanskrit plays was known aswhere the main character in Sanskrit plays was known as"Sutradhara", "the holder of strings"."Sutradhara", "the holder of strings".


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In Srimad Bhagvata, the God Almighty has been likened to aIn Srimad Bhagvata, the God Almighty has been likened to apuppeteer who with three stringspuppeteer who with three strings Sattva, Rajas and TamasSattva, Rajas and Tamas manipulates all the beings in the created universe.manipulates all the beings in the created universe.

There are a number of evidences to prove that puppetry reachedThere are a number of evidences to prove that puppetry reachedgreat heights in India as long back as in the early centuries B.C. Angreat heights in India as long back as in the early centuries B.C. Anunmistakable refereence to puppetry is found in the Tamil classicunmistakable refereence to puppetry is found in the Tamil classicSilappadikaram written around 2nd century B.C.Silappadikaram written around 2nd century B.C.

The early puppet shows in India dealt mostly with histories of greatThe early puppet shows in India dealt mostly with histories of greatkings, princes and heroes and also political satire in rural areas.kings, princes and heroes and also political satire in rural areas.Religious portrayals in puppetry developed in South India withReligious portrayals in puppetry developed in South India with

shadow puppet performances of stories from Ramayana andshadow puppet performances of stories from Ramayana andMahabharata.Mahabharata.

Even today, especially in Kerala, shadow puppet is a temple ritualEven today, especially in Kerala, shadow puppet is a temple ritualperformed every year during a temple festival for a specifiedperformed every year during a temple festival for a specifiedduration.duration.


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Puppetry in IndiaPuppetry in India

India has a wealthy of puppet styles and techniques.India has a wealthy of puppet styles and techniques.

The four basic forms of puppetry in India are:The four basic forms of puppetry in India are:

1.1. Rod puppets (Putul Naach)Rod puppets (Putul Naach)

2.2. String puppets (Sutradharika)String puppets (Sutradharika)

3.3. Glove puppetsGlove puppets

4.4. Shadow puppets (Chhaya Putli)Shadow puppets (Chhaya Putli)

In fact these styles encompass all the known forms of puppetry.In fact these styles encompass all the known forms of puppetry.

Besides these, we also have the use of large figures covering theBesides these, we also have the use of large figures covering thehuman body and exaggerating it akin to some contemporaryhuman body and exaggerating it akin to some contemporarypuppet theatres.puppet theatres.

So broadly, puppetry could be traditional or contemporary based onSo broadly, puppetry could be traditional or contemporary based onetymology, themes etc.etymology, themes etc.


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Traditional IndianTraditional Indian

PuppetryPuppetry

Most traditional Indian puppetryMost traditional Indian puppetry

can be broadly divided intocan be broadly divided into

religious or balladic forms,religious or balladic forms,encompassing court life as manyencompassing court life as many

of the puppet theatres of Asia andof the puppet theatres of Asia and

Japan do, or religious epics fromJapan do, or religious epics from

the Ramayana and Mahabharata,the Ramayana and Mahabharata,

to local classics and social themes.to local classics and social themes.

Each style bears the imprint of itsEach style bears the imprint of itsarea or state it comes fromarea or state it comes from--the usethe use

of colours, forms, materials usedof colours, forms, materials used

and the idiom of movement andand the idiom of movement and

sounds.sounds.


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Contemporary IndianContemporary Indian

PuppetryPuppetry With the progress and development of civilization, theWith the progress and development of civilization, the

mysticism connected with traditional puppetry slowlymysticism connected with traditional puppetry slowlystarted to fade which was replaced with an element ofstarted to fade which was replaced with an element of

entertainment. Slowly, this art form emerged from theentertainment. Slowly, this art form emerged from theprecincts of the temple and villages to reach out to theprecincts of the temple and villages to reach out to theoutside world performing on various social andoutside world performing on various social andcontemporary themes in Indian towns and cities.contemporary themes in Indian towns and cities.

Let us explore the forms of puppetry as they exist in theLet us explore the forms of puppetry as they exist in thedifferent regions of India.different regions of India.


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KeralaKerala Glove puppetry is called pavakathakali in Kerala.Glove puppetry is called pavakathakali in Kerala.

The puppeteers have adapted the dance stories of kathakali. TheThe puppeteers have adapted the dance stories of kathakali. Thehead and arms are carved out of wood; the head is manipulatedhead and arms are carved out of wood; the head is manipulatedby the index finger and the arms are moved by the thumb and theby the index finger and the arms are moved by the thumb and themiddle finger.middle finger.

The conventions of kathakali character types in respect toThe conventions of kathakali character types in respect tocostumes, headgear, makecostumes, headgear, make--up and color are followed inup and color are followed inpavakathakali. A green face indicates a god, king or hero,pavakathakali. A green face indicates a god, king or hero,whereas a red face indicates a villain. The musical instrumentswhereas a red face indicates a villain. The musical instrumentsconsist of drums, cymbals and a conch shell.consist of drums, cymbals and a conch shell.


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Shadow puppetry is called tolpavakuthu in Kerala.Shadow puppetry is called tolpavakuthu in Kerala.

The leather puppets are traditionally performed by the VellalaThe leather puppets are traditionally performed by the Vellala

Chetty, the Nair and Ganaka communities. The performers areChetty, the Nair and Ganaka communities. The performers areknown as Pulavars, the scholars or poets. The theme, the story ofknown as Pulavars, the scholars or poets. The theme, the story ofRama from his birth to his coronation, is performed from seven toRama from his birth to his coronation, is performed from seven totwentytwenty--one nights.one nights.

The performance is a part of temple festivities and is conductedThe performance is a part of temple festivities and is conductedwith a series of rituals. At least five artists are required towith a series of rituals. At least five artists are required tomanipulate the puppets to cover the twelve meters long screen.manipulate the puppets to cover the twelve meters long screen.

The puppets made of deer skin are opaque and small, aboutThe puppets made of deer skin are opaque and small, aboutfortyeight to eighty centimeters high.fortyeight to eighty centimeters high.


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A tolpavakuthu performance

Note how the puppets are illuminated


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RajasthanRajasthan

String puppetry is called kathputli in Rajasthan.String puppetry is called kathputli in Rajasthan. The heads of the puppets are carved from mango wood. They are upThe heads of the puppets are carved from mango wood. They are up

to sixty centimeters tall, costumed in the Rajasthani style, with bodiesto sixty centimeters tall, costumed in the Rajasthani style, with bodiesmade of cloth and stuffed rags.made of cloth and stuffed rags.

They are manipulated with only one string, one end of which isThey are manipulated with only one string, one end of which isattached to the puppet's head and the other to its back. The string isattached to the puppet's head and the other to its back. The string islooped around the puppeteer's finger and alllooped around the puppeteer's finger and all

movements are generated by a series of jerks on either end. Themovements are generated by a series of jerks on either end. Thepuppeteers are 'bhats', a wandering community; they believe in apuppeteers are 'bhats', a wandering community; they believe in adivine origin of their art, claiming to be the chief performers duringdivine origin of their art, claiming to be the chief performers duringthe reign of the legendary king Vikramaditya, whose life andthe reign of the legendary king Vikramaditya, whose life andachievements they extolled.achievements they extolled.

The stories mostly revolve around the exploits of local heroes. AmarThe stories mostly revolve around the exploits of local heroes. Amar

Singh Rathore, the ruler in the seventeenth century, was a greatSingh Rathore, the ruler in the seventeenth century, was a greatpatron whose heroic deeds and death are sung and enacted. Hepatron whose heroic deeds and death are sung and enacted. Heappears at the court of emperor Akbar, along with other Hindu 'rajas'.appears at the court of emperor Akbar, along with other Hindu 'rajas'.Tricks and turns are performed for their royal amusement by aTricks and turns are performed for their royal amusement by amagician, an acrobat, a horse rider, a snakecharmer, etc.magician, an acrobat, a horse rider, a snakecharmer, etc.


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Rajasthani Kathputli

The audience participation in

traditional puppetry is an interesting

feature, seen almost all over thecountry. In the Rajasthani string

puppet show, for instance, the rural

audience is easily provoked into

singing and dancing along with the

puppets. Quite often, both adults and

children enter into a dialogue with the

puppeteers and the latter have to be

ready with quick-witted answers.


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KarnatakaKarnataka

String puppetry is called yakshaganaString puppetry is called yakshaganagombeyata and resembles thegombeyata and resembles theYakshagana theater performances,Yakshagana theater performances,especially in regard to the themes,especially in regard to the themes,the structure of performance, music,the structure of performance, music,costumes and makecostumes and make--up.up.

Episodes from the epics are theEpisodes from the epics are thetheme. The puppet is manipulatedtheme. The puppet is manipulatedwith six strings, two each attached towith six strings, two each attached tothe ears, knee joints and hands.the ears, knee joints and hands.

These pairs are tied to three smallThese pairs are tied to three smallwooden sticks, held in the hands ofwooden sticks, held in the hands of

the manipulator who also sings forthe manipulator who also sings forthe character he manipulates.the character he manipulates.Musical accompaniment consists ofMusical accompaniment consists ofdrums, cymbals and a shawm.drums, cymbals and a shawm.


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Gombeyata the puppets from Karnataka are closest in

form, structure and technique to European marionettes


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Andhra PradeshAndhra Pradesh Shadow puppetry is called tolubommalata.Shadow puppetry is called tolubommalata.

The leather puppets are large and brightly colored. The puppeteersThe leather puppets are large and brightly colored. The puppeteersspeak, sing and dance for the characters they manipulate standingspeak, sing and dance for the characters they manipulate standingup.up.

They are accompanied by a harmonium, drum and cymbals. TheirThey are accompanied by a harmonium, drum and cymbals. Theirankleankle--belled feet stamp on two wooden planks, one on top of thebelled feet stamp on two wooden planks, one on top of theother, to keep rhythm or for sound effects. The men and women inother, to keep rhythm or for sound effects. The men and women in

the group sing and speak for respective male and femalethe group sing and speak for respective male and femalecharacters. The stage is made with transparent cloth tied to poles oncharacters. The stage is made with transparent cloth tied to poles onthree sides. The story is from the Ramayana, and comic relief withthree sides. The story is from the Ramayana, and comic relief withlocal gossip and caustic comments on the contemporary situation islocal gossip and caustic comments on the contemporary situation isprovided by clownesque characters.provided by clownesque characters.

String puppetry is called koyya bommalata, literally: 'wooden doll' .String puppetry is called koyya bommalata, literally: 'wooden doll' .The musical instruments are a harmonium, a drum and cymbals.The musical instruments are a harmonium, a drum and cymbals.


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OrissaOrissa

Shadow puppetry is called ravanachhaya, literally: 'the shadow ofShadow puppetry is called ravanachhaya, literally: 'the shadow ofRavana'. The shadows are created by simple opaque leatherRavana'. The shadows are created by simple opaque leatherpuppets. Deer skin is used for divine beings, while the skin ofpuppets. Deer skin is used for divine beings, while the skin ofmountain goats and sheep is used for all the other figures. Themountain goats and sheep is used for all the other figures. Theleather is not scraped fully and the puppets are not painted; theleather is not scraped fully and the puppets are not painted; thedark silhouette, delicately outlined, is defined by very few incisionsdark silhouette, delicately outlined, is defined by very few incisions

for clothing and jewellery. They are small, with no joints. Thefor clothing and jewellery. They are small, with no joints. Themanipulation is simple, with up and down and sideways swingingmanipulation is simple, with up and down and sideways swingingmovements. Illusion of size is achieved by the distance of themovements. Illusion of size is achieved by the distance of thepuppet from the screen.puppet from the screen.

The performers are from the 'bhat' community, whose ancestorsThe performers are from the 'bhat' community, whose ancestorswere musicians and officers in the local royal courts.were musicians and officers in the local royal courts.


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In Orissa, string puppets are called sakhinata.In Orissa, string puppets are called sakhinata.

The small puppets have three strings which are attached to a smallThe small puppets have three strings which are attached to a smallwooden rod: one for the head and two for the hands. Puppetry is awooden rod: one for the head and two for the hands. Puppetry is a

speciality of the Kela; this ethnic group is also known for its diviners,speciality of the Kela; this ethnic group is also known for its diviners,snake charmers and magicians.snake charmers and magicians.

Rod puppetry is calledRod puppetry is called kandhei nachkandhei nach. The puppets measure up to. The puppets measure up tosixty centimeters and are jointed at the shoulders. The wooden rodsixty centimeters and are jointed at the shoulders. The wooden rodholds up the head, which is carved in wood and painted. Theholds up the head, which is carved in wood and painted. Theshoulder joints are connected with strings from inside the torso ofshoulder joints are connected with strings from inside the torso ofthe puppet to two rings which are pulled for arm movements.the puppet to two rings which are pulled for arm movements.

Rod puppets String Puppets


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West BengalWest Bengal

Glove puppetry is called benir putul. The two male and femaleGlove puppetry is called benir putul. The two male and femalecharacters, with terracotta faces and wooden hands, are constantlycharacters, with terracotta faces and wooden hands, are constantlysparring with each other. The puppets keep the rhythm with bells orsparring with each other. The puppets keep the rhythm with bells orcymbals tied to their wrists. The repertoire is from the epics, withcymbals tied to their wrists. The repertoire is from the epics, withsome modern, topical touches added to keep pace with the times, besome modern, topical touches added to keep pace with the times, beit an antiit an anti--smoking message or a projection of new roles for women.smoking message or a projection of new roles for women.

Rod puppetry is called danger putulRod puppetry is called danger putul mythological themes. There ismythological themes. There isthe operatic singing, broad gestures, the declamatory delivery ofthe operatic singing, broad gestures, the declamatory delivery ofdialogue and ornate costuming.dialogue and ornate costuming.


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Contemporary IndianContemporary Indian

PuppetryPuppetry While the Glove, Rod, String andWhile the Glove, Rod, String and

Shadow puppetry have been rootedShadow puppetry have been rootedin their own traditions, thein their own traditions, thecontemporary puppeteers in Indiacontemporary puppeteers in India

have diverse genesis and are nothave diverse genesis and are notsteeped in any single tradition.steeped in any single tradition.

These puppeteers, mostly urbanThese puppeteers, mostly urban--based, derived initially theirbased, derived initially theirinspiration from traditional puppetryinspiration from traditional puppetryor from overseas. Most of them, inor from overseas. Most of them, infact, began their careers in suchfact, began their careers in such

disciplines as painting, dance,disciplines as painting, dance,design, etc. and came into puppetrydesign, etc. and came into puppetrywithout any family background orwithout any family background orformal training. On the contrary,formal training. On the contrary,once they adopted puppetry, manyonce they adopted puppetry, manyproceeded to become thoroughproceeded to become thoroughprofessionals.professionals.


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Aspects of contemporaryAspects of contemporary

puppetrypuppetry The main aspects of entertainment for contemporary puppetry are:The main aspects of entertainment for contemporary puppetry are:

profusion of gimmicks (special lighting effect, smokeprofusion of gimmicks (special lighting effect, smoke--screens,screens,magical appearance and disappearance); use of modernmagical appearance and disappearance); use of moderncontraptions (change of stage and setting, mechanical means forcontraptions (change of stage and setting, mechanical means for

sophisticated manipulation of puppets); interventions by jokerssophisticated manipulation of puppets); interventions by jokers(carrying a lamp on the head, over(carrying a lamp on the head, over--sized or undersized or under--sized insized inappearance); mixing of puppet categories (mixing rod with gloves,appearance); mixing of puppet categories (mixing rod with gloves,traditional puppets with human moppets,traditional puppets with human moppets, BunrakuBunraku with moppets);with moppets);interinter--mingling of live persons and puppet characters (to createmingling of live persons and puppet characters (to createcomic effects, to make serious commentary, to be narrator); use ofcomic effects, to make serious commentary, to be narrator); use ofsymbolic objects (shoes, long clothsymbolic objects (shoes, long cloth--pieces, red colour topieces, red colour to

symbolise bloodsymbolise blood--flow); use of elaborate music (ranging far andflow); use of elaborate music (ranging far andwide, from the East to the West); black theatre (using black lampwide, from the East to the West); black theatre (using black lampto show floating or flying motions against dark background); andto show floating or flying motions against dark background); andso on.so on.


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Puppetry in Mass Media/Puppetry in Mass Media/

Communication

Communication Traditional puppet theatre has always paid attention toTraditional puppet theatre has always paid attention to

entertainment for the masses, even when it caters to anyentertainment for the masses, even when it caters to anyeducational or religious needs.educational or religious needs.

Use of puppetry in advertisement and publicity has not yet caughtUse of puppetry in advertisement and publicity has not yet caught

as much imagination as in the West, as is evident from theas much imagination as in the West, as is evident from theabsence of showcase puppetry in our shops. What are moreabsence of showcase puppetry in our shops. What are morecommon are live persons dressed up as puppets and movingcommon are live persons dressed up as puppets and movingaround in the department stores in big cities.around in the department stores in big cities.

Puppetry in television has been used for promoting familyPuppetry in television has been used for promoting familyplanning, creating bank savings, providing insurance cover forplanning, creating bank savings, providing insurance cover forpoultry and pigpoultry and pig--farm, etc. A recent effort was to create afarm, etc. A recent effort was to create a

videocassette for the campaign during the assembly electionsvideocassette for the campaign during the assembly electionsusing puppetusing puppet--based political characters.based political characters.


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Scope of puppetryScope of puppetry

Puppetry can be quite an important art form for the mass media.Puppetry can be quite an important art form for the mass media.Television programmes and filmTelevision programmes and film--features have made manyfeatures have made manyexperiments with participation of men and animals throughexperiments with participation of men and animals throughpuppetry,puppetry, ---- for publicity and entertainment.for publicity and entertainment.

Puppet films have, in fact, become quite a rival to cartoon films,Puppet films have, in fact, become quite a rival to cartoon films,because the former are threebecause the former are three--dimensional and easy to create.dimensional and easy to create.Besides, a variety of movements can be displayed by differentBesides, a variety of movements can be displayed by differentcategories of puppets, which are not easy to capture in thecategories of puppets, which are not easy to capture in thecartoon films.cartoon films.

Puppetry can be a powerful tool for inducing social action andPuppetry can be a powerful tool for inducing social action andbringing in social changebringing in social change especially w.r.t sensitive social issues.especially w.r.t sensitive social issues.

Puppetry can convey messages through its tragic and comicPuppetry can convey messages through its tragic and comicthemes reflecting the realities of society and its environment.themes reflecting the realities of society and its environment.Traditional puppetry in India has a builtTraditional puppetry in India has a built--in value system, which isin value system, which isin consonance with the Indian social ethos. Thein consonance with the Indian social ethos. The YampuriYampuripuppetspuppetsin Bihar are quite explicit about socially correct activitiesin Bihar are quite explicit about socially correct activitiespermissible in heaven and wrong activities debarred from it.permissible in heaven and wrong activities debarred from it.

Folk Art- Puppetry

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