Why in the News?
The traditional Kathputli art of Rajasthan, centred in Kathputli Nagar of Jaipur, highlights India’s rich intangible cultural heritage, where nearly 250 artisan families continue a centuries old puppet tradition amid challenges from modern entertainment.
What is Kathputli?
- Kathputli is one of India’s oldest folk puppet traditions
- The word derives from
- Kath meaning wood
- Putli meaning doll
- Puppets are string operated wooden figures with painted faces and colourful costumes
Region and Community
- Practised mainly in Rajasthan
- Kathputli Nagar (Puppets Colony) in Jaipur is a major living hub
- Craft is hereditary, passed down across generations within families
Historical Significance
- Traditionally performed by travelling storytellers
- Used to narrate
- Tales of Rajput kings and warriors
- Folk legends and moral stories
- Served as a mass communication medium before print and digital media
Current Challenges
- Competition from digital entertainment
- Economic insecurity for artisans
- Dependence on tourism and cultural events
Prelims Pointers
- Kathputli is a string puppet tradition
- Originated in Rajasthan
- Major hub is Kathputli Nagar, Jaipur
- Puppets are made of wood and cloth
- Historically used to narrate royal and folk tales
| [2024] Which one of the following was the latest inclusion in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO?
(a) Chhau dance (b) Durga Puja (c) Garba dance (d) Kumbh Mela |
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