KATHPUTLI – TRADITIONAL STRING PUPPET ART OF RAJASTHAN

NEWS: In Jaipur, nearly 250 families continue to preserve Kathputli, one of Rajasthan’s oldest folk art forms. This highlights issues of cultural preservation, livelihoods of traditional artists, and intangible cultural heritage.

Kathputli

• Kathputli is a traditional string puppet theatre form of Rajasthan.
• It is among the oldest surviving forms of puppetry in India
• Historically performed by travelling performers
• Used as a medium of storytelling, entertainment, and moral instruction
• Kath = Wood, Putli = Doll

Historical & Cultural Role

• Narrate stories of: Rajput kings, brave warriors, folk heroes
• Convey: Moral values, social messages, community history

Distinctive Features

• Facial & Visual Style: Large, prominent eyes, oval faces, arched eyebrows, exaggerated lips and expressions
• Costume: Bright, colourful attire
• Inspired by: Royal courts, desert traditions of Rajasthan