Absolutely astounding and unique in concept, colour and workmanship,
the art and handicrafts of Rajasthan are beyond comparison. Be
it jewellery, painting, furniture, leatherware, pottery, metal
craft or hand-printed textiles, each object has a penetrating
and irresistible appeal. An ethnic aura envelopes even the simplest
of forms, making each one truly a collectors delight. Rajasthan,
popularly known as the ‘treasure trove of Indian & ‘shoppers’
paradise’, has been able to preserve its craft despite several
ups and downs. Its rich heritage has played an important role
in the economy of the state. The glittering jewellery and attractive
handicrafts of Rajasthan have caught the fantasy of the people
abroad and earned rich dividends.
Puppets
Puppetry is an ancient, popular form of folk entertainment. The
string puppet in Rajasthan are called katputlis, or marionettes.
The riveting histrionics of the puppeters, like the full-throated
songs of the Mirasis, Langas and Manganiyars belong to old passtimes,
epomizing a traditional, leasurely pace of life. No village fair,
no religious festival and no social gathering would be complete
without them. The traditional puppeters were from the wandering
communities of the Bhatts. They move from village to village with
their box of katputlis, accessories and dhoklas during the festive
seasons, returning to their villages to cultivate their small
patch of land during the short rainy season.
Controlling
the Puppet
The puppet is manipulated by strings which are looped into the
puppeter's hands and fingers. The puppet lie inert on the stage
until they come to life when the strings are pulled. The puppeters
are usually from one family, such as a father-and-son team.
Making
a Puppet
The typical Rajasthani katputli has a brightly painted face and
a rough torso. Appropriate brightly coloured male or female costumes
are fashioned by the puppeters themselves from patches of old
cloth.
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Jewellery
| Leatherware
| Paintings
| Puppets
| Metal Craft
| Stone Craft
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