Puppetry in Indian History

Shadow puppets are the earliest known form of puppetry in India, with evidence dating back to the 2nd century BCE.

Rajasthan is known for its string puppetry, particularly the Kathputli puppets.

Gombeyatta is the traditional rod puppet theatre of Karnataka.

Tholpavakoothu is a shadow puppet theatre from Kerala.

Putul Nach is the traditional hand puppet theatre of West Bengal.

Tholpavakoothu is a shadow puppet theatre that is often used to tell stories from the Ramayana.

Bommalata is the traditional puppet theatre of Andhra Pradesh.

Yakshagana is a traditional theatre form from Karnataka that is often used to tell stories from the Mahabharata.

Tholpavakoothu is the traditional puppet theatre of Tamil Nadu.

Kathakali is a traditional theatre form from Kerala that is often used to tell stories from the Bhagavata Purana.

Bavacha Katha is the traditional puppet theatre of Maharashtra.

Ramlila is a traditional theatre form that is often used to tell stories from the Ramacharitmanas.

Ramlila is the traditional puppet theatre of Uttar Pradesh.

Yakshagana is a traditional theatre form from Karnataka that is often used to tell stories from the Mahabharata.

Bhavai is the traditional puppet theatre of Gujarat.