Jaipur is home to several different folk arts and performance-based arts as well. Several of these originated in rural areas of Rajasthan and have evolved into sophisticated art forms in Jaipur through a sustained period of patronage. The status of Jaipur as a tourist destination has also made it home to several rural folk artists who perform for the ever-growing tourist demographic. These include forms such as Kaalbelia and Ghoomar which originated in the heart of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. Among these, the Jaipur katputali naach is the most eyecatching and famous folk performance.
Kathputali can be broken down to katha (wood) and putali (doll); literally meaning a wooden doll, the very apparatus used in the performance. Puppets made out of mango wood, dressed in flowing skirts and painted on elaborate features are controlled by strings. The narrative is usually based on tales of the king’s bravery, kindness and numerous conquests.
Puppet making possibly originated in Bassi, Rajasthan. The puppeteers who make these puppets and perform with them belong to the wandering Bhatt communities. They wander around the plains of the country, roaming from village to village presenting popular stories of heroes and divinities.
Kathputli is made of a 10/11 inch wooden stick or gutta. The stick is given a specific shape using a chisel. The wood is painted in a skin colour using oil paints and the finer details of the face are given. and other accessories give the final look of the puppet. While the upper portion of the female puppet is attired in the choli and odhani, the male puppets are dresses in achkan and long kurtas. Strings are then attached to the hands, head and back of the body. A slight jerk of the string causes the puppets to produce movements of the hands, neck and shoulder.