Rajasthani Puppet

Rajasthani Puppets are string marionettes that originate from the state of Rajasthan in India. The puppets are controlled by a single string that passes from the top of the puppet over the puppeteers. Characteristic to this form are the shrill voices produced by the lead puppeteer which are spoken through a bamboo reed.The art of Rajasthani puppetry (also called Kathputli) originated a thousand years ago when the Bhat community began to practice this art. Patronised by many ruling families in the state,it soon grew into a major art form of the region. But due to the invasion of Rajasthan by the Mughals,Kathputli gradually lost its importance. It has been one of the oldest form of entertainment. in the olden day time these puppets were not only a source of entertainment but also provided moral and social education. They tackled problems like dowery system, women empowerment. illiteracy, poverty, unemployment,cleanliness. Through these puppet shows they made people aware of the social problem that every body was facing and also showed ways of solving them.

References

* [http://www.britannica.com/search?query=Rajasthani+Puppet Britannica]