Kathputli Dance in Rajasthan is one of the most famous performing arts. It is a traditional folk dance, a puppet dance based on famous legends performed by skilled puppeteers. Such is the popularity of the puppet-playing tradition in Rajasthan that the name of Kathputli Dance evokes images of Rajasthan and its folklore.
The word ‘Kathputli’ means ‘puppet,’ and a tradition of puppeteering has long existed in Rajasthan, India. In ancient days, puppeteers were known to travel across vast regions through various villages to entertain people. These puppeteers narrated stories of legendary heroes or historical events through puppet plays. Thus, these puppet shows provide entertainment and spread awareness among the viewers.
Description of Kathputli Dance in Rajasthan
In Kathputli Dance, the puppeteer narrates the stories through soulful ballads. Kathputli Rajasthan features puppet plays based on famous legends performed by skillful puppeteers. Various puppets or Kathputlis are used during the Kathputli Traditional Dance in Rajasthan. These include Glove Puppets, String Puppets, Rod Puppets, and Shadow Puppets. In a string-puppet dance, the puppets are strung on the stage for the performance. The puppeteer displays his skills in maneuvering the strings and making the puppets act and dance. He is accompanied by a woman, usually, his wife, who plays the dholak or drum and sings the ballad.
When and How Kathputli Dance in Rajasthan is performed?
During Kathputli Dance, tales of romance and valor are told with movements of string puppets. Rajasthan Kathputli Dance is performed during fairs and festive occasions. A small stage is set for the performance, where the puppeteers would show puppetry and narrate the stories. Music or ballads form an integral part of Kathputli dance as the entire performance is based on the poem. Sometimes, the puppeteer accompanies the lyrics with various sound effects to give the show a more significant impact. For example, the Kathputli dance features historical anecdotes and tales of love and includes a lot of screeching and high-pitched sounds as the puppets twist and bend to the tunes of the puppeteer at the time of the performance.
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