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Rod Puppetry in India - History, Types, Reason of Decline & More

Last Updated on Jul 13, 2023

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Rod puppetry is one of the oldest forms of puppetry in India and has a rich cultural heritage. It is a unique art form that has been preserved and passed down through generations, reflecting the diverse traditions and customs of different regions. Rod puppetry involves the use of wooden or bamboo rods to control the puppets. It gives them a life-like appearance and allows them to interact with the audience.

Each region in India has its own unique style and form of rod puppetry. They have distinct themes and stories that are often rooted in mythology and folklore. Rod Puppetry in India is presently predominantly practiced in West Bengal and Orissa.

In this article, we shall study different forms of Rod Puppets in India. Puppetry in India is one of the most important topics in the Art and Culture Section of the UPSC IAS exam.

Click on the link to download the notes on the Glove Puppet Forms of India for UPSC!

What is Rod Puppetry?

Rod puppets are a type of glove puppet that has been developed further.

Rod puppets are larger than glove puppets, and one or more rods/sticks of varying sizes are used to hold and manipulate them from below.

West Bengal and Orissa are known for their rod puppetry.

These puppets are typically made up of three joints. The primary rod supports the puppet’s head, which is connected at the neck, and both hands are attached to the rods at the shoulder.

The puppet’s robe or clothing conceals the primary rod.

The puppet’s hands are attached to the action rods.

The puppeteer shows action by manipulating the puppeteer’s hands. The puppet’s body and hands are made of bamboo and rice.

Click on the link to download the notes on the Glove Puppet Forms of India for UPSC!

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History of Rod Puppets
Rod puppets are a type of puppet that is controlled by rods or sticks that extend from the puppet's head or hands. They have a long history that can be traced back to ancient civilizations in Asia.

In China, rod puppetry has been practiced since the Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE).

In India, rod puppetry is known as Kathputli. It has been a popular form of entertainment for centuries.

The puppets are made of wood and cloth, and the puppeteer uses two rods to control the puppet's hands.

The stories portrayed in Kathputli performances often focus on local legends and folklore.

Rod puppets have also been used in European puppetry traditions, including in Italy and France during the Middle Ages.

In modern times, rod puppets continue to be used in various forms of puppetry around the world.

Study in detail about Puppetry in India from this link!

Rod Puppetry in States Across India

West Bengal Rod Puppetry – Putul Nach

West Bengal is home to rod puppetry.
Putul Nach is the name given to rod puppetry in West Bengal.
Putul Nach means “dancing dolls” in English.
These puppets can be up to ten kilos in weight.
The puppets stand 1.5 meters tall and are made out of 2.5-meter-long bamboo stalks.
Costumes are elegantly designed and puppets are fashioned in a native painting manner.
The plays are based on the Ramayana, Satee Behula. Apart from folk tales, movie plots are often used in puppet shows nowadays.

Odisha Rod Puppetry – Kathi Kandhe

Rod puppetry is called Kathi Kandhe in Orissa.
The Kathi Kandhe rod puppets are substantially smaller than the Putul Nach rod puppets of West Bengal.
Orissa Rod Puppets range in size from 12 to 18 inches.
The stories are based on epic Ramayana and Purana stories, as well as social themes.
The puppeteers, who are seated behind a screen, control the puppets.
In the Kendujhar District, this type of puppetry is particularly popular.
The play’s music opens with a short piece of ritual orchestral prelude called Stuti and ends with the play itself.
During the performance, medieval songs such as Bhajan, Champu, Koili, and Chautisha are usually sung. However, the songs are sung differently or in a different style to appeal to a wider audience.

Bihar – Yampuri

Yampuri is the name given to rod puppetry that is practiced in Bihar.
Wooden rod puppets are used in Bihar.
Another significant distinction between Bihar’s rod puppetry and that of West Bengal and Orissa is that the puppets in Bihar do not have any joints.
Because the puppets do not have any joints, the arms and legs of the puppets are not very flexible, so puppeteers must have a wide range of skills when playing Yampuri rod puppets.
For the show, a wheeled platform with a height of roughly three feet from the ground has been set up.
The puppeteers and musicians take up positions near the stage. During the performance, the classical and folk music of the region serves as the background score.
Curtains serve as a backdrop for various scenes to be acted out.
Yampuri puppet is at the risk of extinction due to its exclusivity to a specific population and lack of promotion. The state and federal governments should work together to revitalize folk art forms.

Click on the link to download the notes on the Styles of Bharatanatyam for UPSC!

Other Types of Puppetry Across India
India is home to a rich and diverse tradition of puppetry. There are many different styles and types of puppets used across the country. Some of the most well-known types of puppetry in India include the following:
Shadow Puppetry
This is an ancient form of puppetry. This form of puppetry is popular in the southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
Glove Puppetry
Glove puppetry is also known as hand puppetry. This type of puppetry is popular in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
String Puppetry
String puppetry is also known as marionette puppetry. This form of puppetry is popular in the western Indian state of Rajasthan.
Mask Puppetry
Mask puppetry uses masks that are manipulated to tell stories or perform actions. This type of puppetry is popular in the northeastern Indian state of Assam.
Click on the link to download the notes on the Folk Theatre in India for UPSC!

Reasons for the Decline of Rod Puppetry

Rod puppetry is competed with by electronic media, a popular form of entertainment. People prefer puppetry overviewing epic stories on television like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Rod Puppetry is typically used to tell religious and mythical stories.

Rod Puppetry does not address current socio-economic challenges in today’s globe.

In terms of screenplay, lighting, sound, and other stage effects, puppetry is outdated.

Due to limited patronage in today’s world Rod puppetry is losing its significance.

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UPSC Mains Practice Question

Write a note about the cultural relevance of Rod puppets in India and discuss certain Rod Puppetry forms

We hope all your doubts regarding Rod Puppetry in India would have been addressed now. Testbook provides study material for various competitive examinations. Ace your UPSC preparation by downloading the Testbook App!

FAQs regarding Rod puppetry in India

What is Rod Puppetry?

Rod puppets are a type of glove puppet that has been developed further. Rod puppets are larger than glove puppets and are held and handled from below by one or more rods/sticks of various sizes. West Bengal and Orissa are known for their rod puppetry.

What are the various reasons for the decline in Rod Puppetry?

The various reasons for the decline in Rod Puppetry are as follows:Rod puppetry is competed with by electronic media, a popular form of entertainment. People prefer puppetry overviewing epic stories on television like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.Rod Puppetry is typically used to tell religious and mythical stories.Rod Puppetry does not address current socio-economic challenges in today's globe

Name the different types of Rod Puppet across the States.

The different types of Rod Puppet across the states are:West Bengal Rod Puppetry – Putul NachOdisha Rod Puppetry – Kathi KandheBihar- Yampuri

What is the name of the puppet practiced in Bihar?

Yampuri is the name given to rod puppetry that is practiced in Bihar. Wooden rod puppets are used in Bihar.

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