Kathputlis of Rajasthan

Kathputlis is a very ancient art form and Kathputlis of Rajasthan have their own uniqueness. The art of Kathputli, originated a thousand years ago when the Bhat community began to practise this art. Patronised by many ruling families in the state, it soon grew into a major art form of the region. Kathputlis of Rajasthan or string puppets are perhaps the only example of their kind in the world where a control or cross is not used for manipulation. In other words, all the strings are attached to the puppeteers’ fingers directly, which demand a great deal of virtuosity. Characteristic to this form are the shrill voices produced by the lead puppeteer which are spoken through a bamboo reed.