History

• Puppetry, known as The Mahabharata in India, is one of the most ancient forms of entertainment, dating back to 2500 BC, and is referred to in numerous ancient writings. Early shows dealt with history, politics, local myth and religion and was an important part of folk culture in the villages. Puppet theatre has been used to depict scenes from the Indian epic story The Ramayana.
  
  

Glove Puppet

• Glove puppets, also known as hand puppets, are one of the most recognizable styles of puppets. The puppeteer inserts his hand through the bottom of the puppet and uses his index finger to move the head and his thumb and smallest finger or middle finger to move the hands of the puppet. In this fashion, a puppeteer can manipulate two puppets at once. A glove puppet can be made of wood, fabric, ceramics or other mediums prevalent in the region. In India, glove puppets can be found in the area of Kerala where they are called Pavakoothu, and in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Orissa.
  
  

Rod Puppet

• Rod puppets are manipulated by having a main rod run through the body of the puppet to keep it upright, and two rods inserted into the arms of the puppet's body which are then moved by the puppeteer. This style of puppet is limiting in the puppet's movement and only allows the use of one puppet per puppeteer. A rod puppet tends to be larger than most other puppets and are made in varying styles. Indian rod puppets are most often found in the region of Orissa and in West Bengal where it is known as Putul Nautch.
  
  

Shadow Puppet

• Perhaps the most primitive type of puppets, shadow puppets consist of a desired shape cut out, then held between a light and a canvas screen, with the intent to cast the shadow of the puppet onto the canvas screen. Through manipulation of the puppet by a perpendicular rod adhered to the back and various lights, the illusion of movement is achieved. The puppet may be made of treated cloth, leather, or paper. These shadow puppets have varying names such as Togalu Gombeyatta in Karnataka, Ravanachhaya in the region of Orissa and Tholu Bommalata in Andhra Pradesh.
  
  

Type: String Puppet

• The string puppet, or "marionette", is the most difficult puppet to maneuver and master for a puppeteer and consists of a main body, with the arms, legs and head held up by strings attached to rods above the puppet. Through movement of these rods, a puppeteer may position and exercise the puppet however they choose. The string puppet may also be as large as a puppeteer can lift. String puppets are called Gombeyatta in the region of Karnataka, Bommalattam in Tamil Nadu, Kundhei in Orissa and Kathputli in Rajasthan.
  
  

Decoration

• A puppet's decorative features depend on the role it was made to play. A puppet with large eyes, and darker colors represents an evil or immoral character, while a puppet with lighter colors, brighter clothing, and a mustache represents the hero or royalty. Women are portrayed with their hair in braids or flowing, while the men wear their hair in a turban.