Kathputli - Group 3

KKAATTHHPPUUTTLLII

OOff NNaaggaauurr
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CRAFT- KATHPUTLI

(CRAFT CLUSTER INITIATIVE)
ACADEMIC YEAR: 2021

Guided by:

Sindhu Kumari

Documented by:

Omaryan Sengar
Nandini Lakhotia
Nitish Choudhary
Manya Srivastava
Mahek Shirokha

Maithali Singh
Navya Jansari

Department Of Fashion Communication pg 5
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FASHION TECHNOLOGY (NIFT) JODHPUR

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Copyright © 2021 by NIFT Jodhpur

All rights reserved. This publication or any other portion thereof
may not be reproduced in any form, stored in any retrieval system,

or transmitted by any means, should not be used in any manner
whatsoever without the express of prior written permission of the

publisher except for the use of brief quotations in the review.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We take this opportunity to thank the people who have been instrumental in the successful
completion of this project. Apart from our effort, the success of this documentation depends
upon the encouragement and guidelines of many others, to whom we are highly obliged.
We were presented with this unique opportunity to document the hidden treasures the craft
kathputli bears as well as developed a sense of curiosity in exploring this craft further. First of
all, we want to convey our sincere reverence to our honourable director Dr. Vijaya Deshmukh
for providing us with an opportunity to learn and explore Kathputli craft in great detail. We
would like to earnestly acknowledge the sincere efforts and valuable time given by the course
coordinator, Ms. Usha Yadav for giving us significant direction and providing an opportunity
to talk and learn from accomplished artisans in the given field. We would like to express
our profound gratitude to Dr. Aditi Mertia and a heartfelt gratitude to our cluster initiative
coordinator, Ms. Sindhu Kumari for being the backbone of the documentation and guiding us
throughout the entire time. Last but not least, we would like to give sincere gratitude to the
people of Nagaur and Jaipur, especially the craftsmen and artisans, who accommodated our
requests and shared their knowledge of skill and expertise with us. We sincerely hope that
this endeavour of ours will benefit these people whose deft hands are sustaining the real
India. We were presented with this unique opportunity to document the hidden treasures the
craft kathputli bears as well as developed a sense of curiosity in exploring this craft further.

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ABSTRACT

Documentation of the Craft Cluster study done by students of Fashion Communication, semester 5 of
the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Jodhpur, on Crafts of Kathputli in the academic year
2021-2022. The Rajasthani kathputli making is one of the legacy expressions and is a piece of Rajasthan's
rich culture. It actually conveys the inheritance to deliver handmade kathputlis. At various stages, there
are loads of individuals associated with the kathputli making measure. The examination uncovered
that despite the fact that there is interest for kathputlis, the monetary status of craftsmans is poor as
the market is disorderly. This study is an attempt to understand the role of Kathpulti and how different
artisans use their skills in our generation. The study additionally unfolds the issues and arrangements. It
is added to the worth chain examination of the perishing craft of Kathputli making.Through an in-depth
study of the processes, techniques, current scenario of the crafts and the socio-economic conditions
of the craftsmen and interaction with the craftspeople, this cluster intervention sensitized the student
towards the craft and the artisans. The study is an addition to the worth chain examination of the
perishing craft of Kathputli making.It was also aimed to give students an insight into regional sensibilities,
diversities, resources & the environment. Further, the intervention provided a window to the student on
methods to work in the crafts sector with artisans and helped them to promote themselves through
various means of design & technology that they have learnt.The online interaction with artisans has
kindled a sense of appreciation for not just beautiful crafts but also those without whom our country’s
rich culture would merely be another chapter in history. The most riveting part of communicating with
the artisans is the journey through rural areas. with the artisans is the journey through rural areas.

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CONTENT

01. 02. 03.

Introduction About Jodhpur About the cluster
17 17 17

04. 05. 06.

History Geographical Status Climate
18 20 22

07. 08. 09.

Topography Demographics Religion and culture
25 27 29

10. 11. 12.

Festivals and fairs Industry Introduction to kathputli
31 34 craft
38

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13. 14. 15.

Origin of Craft Significance Their community and
40 43 introduction to artisans

16. 17. 44

Artisans profile 1 Artisans profile 2 18.
48 54
Tools
19. 20. 62

Raw materials Process 21.
66 70
Product category
22. 23. 82

Market research Govt. Intervention 24.
94 97
SWOT Analysis
25. 26. 102

Glossary Annexures 27.
113 115
Bibliography
28. 118

Reference list pg 13

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Introduction

to cluster

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INTRODUCTION

ABOUT JODHPUR

Located in the Indian state of Rajasthan, Jodhpur is the
second-largest city. In the past, Jodhpur served as the
capital of the Marwar kingdom, which is now part of
Rajasthan. There are many palaces, forts and temples
to see in Jodhpur. "Blue City" is a well-known nickname
for Jodhpur among Rajasthanis and Indians in general.

The old city is encircled by a wall with multiple gates
and surrounds the Mehrangarh Fort. Although it's been
a few decades, the city has grown considerably outside
of the wall. It’s location near the geographic centre of
Rajasthan makes it a convenient starting point for travels
in a tourist-heavy region. According to The New York
Times, this is one of the "52 best places to visit in 2020."

ABOUT THE CLUSTER NAGAUR

Nagaur is a city in Rajasthan, India. Nagaur is located
in the middle of Jodhpur and Bikaner, about halfway
between the two cities. Nagaur is well-known for spices
(Maithi). Nagaurhas a wealth of mineral resources.

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HISTORY

JODHPUR

The city of Jodhpur was founded by the Rajput chief of the Rathore clan, Rao
Jodha.[1] It was believed that the Rajput clan belonged to the successors of
Lord Rama. The location of Jodhpur within the barren land with a minimal
supply of water has never posed any difficulty within the prosperity of the
town despite its location. Rather, it grew well and with real elegance. Jodhpur
was located on the very famous silk trade route, which connected India and
also the various parts of Central Asia. Jodhpur was always a land of the rich,
defined by the endless richness and also the royal grandeur of the people
residing there. What happened post-independence? In the eighteenth
century, Jodhpur witnessed numerous battles fought between Jodhpur and
other cities of Rajasthan, Jaipur and Udaipur, during which immeasurable
soldiers lost their lives. Maharaja Abhai Singh, who was the descendant of Ajit
Singh, took over Ahmedabad, after which the Jodhpur came into agreement
with the people in 1818.[2] This settlement offered peace and wealth within
the kingdom. Jodhpur became the most important amongst the Rajputs
with regard to its surface area. Jodhpur progressed immensely under the
Britishers. The Marwaris, who were the merchants, got a major position within
the trade across the whole nation. However, after India gained independence
after 1947, the then state of Jodhpur was merged into the Union of India and
instead became the second city of Rajasthan.[3] The last ruler of Jodhpur
flourished into a contemporary city with all amenities under the dominion
of Maharaja Umaid Singh. Umaid Bhavan has been named after Maharaja
Umaid Singh, and he was the grandfather of the current Maharaja Gaj Singh.
[4] Maharaja Umed Singh is alleged to be the last ruler before independence.

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NAGAUR

Glorified by the bards, the history finds mention even in Mahabharata. This city was
calledJanangladeshduringtheMahabharataera.Itsfortresswitnessedgreatbattles
and the rulers who fought against them. The city was awarded Raja Amar Singh
Rathore by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Nagas, Chauhans, Rathores, Mughals,
and even the British have made demands on the city. The dargah of Hamiduddin
Chisti Faruqui Nagauri, one of Khwaja Moinuddin’s main disciples, is also found
here. Nagaur is also the birthplace of the holy poets Meera Bai and Abul Fazal.

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GEOGRAPHICAL STATUS

JODHPUR

The district of Jodhpur is one of the largest in Rajasthan. It is located in the western
part of the state, and has a total area of 22850 square kilometres (km2). Located
between 26 degrees 0 minutes north latitude and 27 degrees 37 minutes east
longitude, the district of Jodhpur is located in the state of Rajasthan in India.
Barmer and Pali are located in the south, while Nagaur and Jaisalmer are located
on either side of the state. In total, the district is 197 kilometres long from north to
south, and 208 kilometres long from east to west. 250-300 metres above sea level.

NAGAUR

The Nagaur district is square in the middle of Rajasthan. District North 260.25 “&
270.40” Northern Watts & 730.10 “& 750.15” Tenkenkei is between the west side of
Sanney Slope West. The district is about 300 meters high on the sea surface. South
640 meters, 250 m, Uttyr is linked to the south. Significant north, East Chic, Jaipur,
Aggy, Southwest and located in theJodhpurdistrict.The three fires are in the district.
The total area is 17,718 km, and is the maximum width of 229 km, from East to West.
The panoramic views in the size of the district make it the largest district of the state.

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CLIMATE, TEMPERATURE AND RAINFALL

JODHPUR

Jodhpur has a hot and arid climate, with a rainy season from late June to
September but no snow. Although the average rainfall is around 360 millimetres
(14 inches), it is extremely variable. A summer day can be as hot as 49 degrees,
and a winter day can be as cold as 1. The sandstorm (andhi) is a spectacle for
people from other regions of India.[5] It is possible to have up to 15 rainy days
during the course of a calendar year. Except when monsoonal rain produces
thick clouds to lower the temperature, temperatures are extreme from March
through October. Due to the increased humidity during these periods of heavy
rain, normal discomfort from the heat is exacerbated by the increased moisture.

NAGAUR

The district has a roughly square shape. Thar Desert occupies the majority
of the district. Large sand mounds can be found in the northwestern part of
the island. Parts of the district have been levelled. The only river in Nagaur
district is the LUNI, which flows 37 kilometres only during the rainy season.

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TOPOGRAPHY

JODHPUR

This district comes under the arid zone of the Rajasthan state. It covers 60%
of the state’s arid zone. The district also includes parts of the vast Thar Desert
in India. A westward slope dominates the terrain’s overall incline. The desert is
characterised by extreme heat in the summer and cold in the winter. However,
Jodhpur is not an exception to this rule. The district has no perennial rivers. Luni
River and Mithri River, however, are important rivers in the district, despite their
saline water origins. Apart from rainwater, dug-wells and tube-wells are the main
sources of irrigation. On the other hand, Bhoplgarh and Osian Tehsils have the
highest irrigation coverage in the district. The district’s soil is classified primarily as
sandy and loamy in nature. Kharri’s main crop is bajra (pearl millet), also known
as pearl millet. Groundwater quality is very good in many parts of the district of
Jodhpur. Besides wheat and pulses, spices like cumin (jeera), coriander (dhania)
and red chilli are also grown in Rabi province. Onions and garlic are well known in
Jodhpur. Guaranteed to be a major production centre. Sandstone and limestone
are the district’s most important minerals. Fawn and red-coloured sandstone
are common in the district. On a regular basis in the district, workers also mine
building stones, stone slabs, and flagstones. Dolomite, quartz, and clays of various
colours are also found in the area. Forests cover a very small percentage of the
district’s total land area due to the arid climate. The forest areas of the district are
dominated by scrub and thorny bushes due to the sandy soil. There are a number
of different tree species in the area, including Kumat and Kair. Babul and Bir are
also common, as well as Jal khara and Pilu. Pomegranates and guavas are fruit-
bearing trees. Jaguar, Jungle Cat, Indian Fox and Chinkara are among the district’s
fauna. There are a variety of birds that can be seen in the area, including Baya, koyal,
parrots, vultures, jungle crows, bulbuls, house sparrows, kites and sandgrouses.

NAGAUR

The district has a dry environment, summers are hotter, and winters are colder.
This is due to the fact that the Thar Desert covers three-quarters of the country,
and the region lacks mountains and flora. The district’s greatest temperature is
49°C, while the lowest temperature is 0°C. Dust storms are common in the region
during the summer.

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DEMOGRAPHICS

JODHPUR

Census India estimates that Jodhpur had a population of 1,033,918 in 2011, with
approximately 52.62 per cent men and approximately 47.38 per cent women
living there. The average literacy rate is 80.56 per cent, with males accounting for
approximately 88.42 per cent and females accounting for approximately 73.93 per
cent. A little over 12 per cent of the population is under the age of six years.[6] This
includes Jodhpur, Kuri Bhagtasani, the Mandore Industrial Area, Nandri, Pal village,
and Sangariya in the Jodhpur urban/metropolitan area. A total of 1,137,815 people
live in the city/metropolitan area; 599,332 of them are male, and 538,483 are female.
As a result of the inclusion of 395 villages in Jodhpur city by the JoDA in February
2021, the city’s population will increase by 33.04 per cent over the next decade.
Jodhpur’s population is expected to reach more than 3.1 million by 2031. As a
result of the city’s expansion, Jodhpur now has a population of 2,330,000 people.

NAGAUR

Merta, Deedwana, Makarana, Parbatsar, and Kuchaman are the district’s major
towns. There are 17,718 square kilometres in the district, of which 17,448.5 square
kilometres are rural, and 269.5 square kilometres are urban in nature, according to
the census.[7] District population: 33,07,743 (urban: 6,37204; rural: 26,70539; as of
2011 census) 4.82 percent of state & decadal population: 33,07,743.The population is
growing at a rate of 19.20%. (2001-2011). Its population density is 187, as opposed to
the state’s average of 200.

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RELIGION AND CULTURE

JODHPUR AND NAGAUR

Regarding the Jodhpur culture, the Jodhpuri individuals are amongst the
foremost hospitable individuals of the Asian nation. They have a typical Marwari
accent. The lifestyle in Jodhpur is sort of fascinating. The oldsters there wear nice
and beautiful multi-hued costumes. The ladies wear wide gathered skirts and a
hip-length jacket, with three quarter length sleeves covering the front and back.
Ladies additionally like to wear jewellery on their bodies. They wear specific kinds
of jewellery just like the ones worn on the feet, head, forehead, ear, nose, neck,
arms, wrist, fingers, waist, etc. Another one in all the distinctive options of the
culture of Jodhpur Rajasthan is the colourful turbans worn by men. The favoured
tight, horse-riding trousers, ‘Jodhpurs’, took their name from this town solely. The
most languages spoken here are Hindi, Marwari, and Rajasthani. The swish palaces,
forts, and temples are strewn throughout town bringing alive the historic grandeur
of this city’s disposition. A romantic aura to Jodhpur is its exquisite handicrafts,
people dances, ethnic music, and therefore the brilliantly garbed individuals.
The people here are quite cordial. With their sweet smiles and warm friendly
reception, they win the hearts of the tourists. The far-famed Marwar competition
brings out the merry spirits of the individuals of this town. The bazaars of Jodhpur
have a variety of things from tie & dye textiles, decorated animal skin shoes, work,
antiques, carpets, and puppets to the exquisite Rajasthani textiles, clay figurines,
miniature camels and elephants, marble inlay work, and classic silver jewellery.[9]

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FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Rajasthan’s rich culture and traditions are evident in the fairs and festivals in
Jodhpur. Jodhpur celebrates a number of festivals.Fairs and festivals in Jodhpur,
Rajasthan including:

SHEETLAMATA FAIR

Rajasthan’s rich culture and traditions are evident in the fairs and festivals in
Jodhpur. Jodhpur celebrates a number of festivals.Fairs and festivals in Jodhpur,
Rajasthan include:

CHAMUNDA MATA FAIR

Jodhpur Fort is home to the Chamunda Mata Temple. Rathors worship Chamunda
Mata as their family deity (the former rulers of Jodhpur State). There is a fair every
year on Ashvina Sudi 9 (September-October). The fair attracts more than 50,000
devotees.

VEERPURI FAIR AT MANDORE

To commemorate Rajasthan’s heroes, a fair is held in Mandore, about 8 kilometres
from Jodhpur, every year on the penultimate Monday of Shravana (July-August).
Offerings of cash, coconuts, and sweets are placed before the idols of Ganesh,
Bhairon, Chamunda, and Kankali. About 15,000 people from all walks of life attend
this fair.

BABA-RAMDEO KA MELA

This fair takes place on Massoria hill, where Baba Ramdeo’s temple is located,
it is held on Bhadrapada Sudi 2 (August/September). On this occasion, a large
number of people from different parts of the state gather. Massoria Baba Ka Mela
is the local name for it.

RATA-BHAKAR-WALA-KA-MELA

This fair is held in honour of Saint Jalandharnath at a distance of 3 km from the
village of Balesar Satan (Shergarh Tehsil). Every year, it takes place on the second
day of Bhadrapada Sudi (August or September).

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DUSSEHRA FAIR AT MASSORIA HILL

Every year, on Ashvina Sudi 10 (September-October), a fair is held near
Masooria’s Rawan-ka Chabutra. Thousands of people gather here to celebrate
this occasion. This fair is held at Ban Ganga, a location in Bilara. This festival
is held every year in March or April, on Chaitra Badi Amavasya. In honour of
nine women who became sati in this location, the festival is held annually.
On any given day, more than 10,000 people gather at this fair to take a dip
in the Ban Ganga River, as well as to sing and dance to traditional music.

NAU SATI KA MELA

This fair is held at Ban Ganga, a location in Bilara. This festival is held
every year in March or April, on Chaitra Badi Amavasya. In honour of nine
women who became sati in this location, the festival is held annually. On
any given day, more than 10,000 people gather at this fair to take a dip
in the Ban Ganga River, as well as to sing and dance to traditional music.

GANGAUR FESTIVAL

In Rajasthan, the Gangaur festival is held in March and April to honour goddess
Parvati and Lord Shiva. Unmarried girls pray for a good husband, and married
women pray for a happy marriage during this festival. As one of Rajasthan’s most
important festivals, Gangaur is a must-attend event. Nagaur, Udaipur, Jodhpur,
Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Nathdwara are among the cities where it is widely
observed.[8]

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INDUSTRIES

JODHPUR

Jodhpur is one of Rajasthan’s most
prominent industrial cities, with
numerous large and small-scale
enterprises producing a variety of
goods and services. In the district, there
are approximately 21,200 registered
industrial units - guar gum powder,
refined guar splits, guar meal, churi,
wooden furniture, iron artistic furniture,
bearing rollers, conveyor belts printing
etc. are also functioning in the city

NAGAUR

In the past, there were a few
small manufacturers who had
markets in the surrounding areas.
To accommodate local demand,
there were hereditary artisans such as
carpenters and blacksmiths. However,
even after independence, Nagaur
district remained industrially poor due to
a lack of natural resource utilisation and
underdeveloped infrastructure facilities.
Now that the industrial climate is
changing, a number of advantages
and concessions are being offered
to potential entrepreneurs who are
eager to set up shop in the district.

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INTRODUCTION
to craft

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INTRODUCTION (CRAFT)

Kathputli translates to wooden puppet. Kath means “wood”
and putli means “doll or toy”. The craft of making Kathputli is
practiced by a community of performing artists. The stories
they described through Kathputlis have been passed on
from their parents and grandparents. These artists travel
around with their portable theaters and entertainment
assemblies, showcasing the adventures of local heroes, in
return for cash, livestock, or part of the sponsor’s harvest.
This form of entertainment became popular at court, and
community people developed puppets with images of
rulers, queens, and court members, such as court dancers,
snake charmers, acrobats, ministers, and magicians, and they
settled in different kingdoms. Kathputli also tells the story
of the king’s bravery, kindness, and countless conquests.
They prospered under the grace of kings like Vikramaditya,
Prithviraj Chauhan, and Amar Singh Rathod. It is mainly
“Putli Bhats” who discovered this art form. The Kathputli art
form is not only a source of entertainment, but also imparts
social and moral education to society. The bill describes a
major social problem such as the dowry system, women’s
empowerment, unemployment, poverty, and health. The
best thing about this event is that they didn’t describe the
problem, but they also provided a solution. The puppeteer
designed a special stage for the performance. Going back
to the story of Kathputli, the legend created by the first
Bhat is based on the livelihood and achievements of Ujjain
King Vikramaditya. The show involved the behavior of 32
kathputlis or puppets, and the show became compelling and
famous and became a means of earning bread and butter.
Kathputlis is a stringed wire puppet that passes from the
top of the puppet and is manipulated by the puppeteer.
Kathputli involves bright colors, sharp facial features,
dexterous movements, and the harsh sounds of typical
traditional costumes, performing in front of the audience.
The craftsman Mr. Prakash Bhat is basically from Rajasthan.
He acquired this unique skill of making Kathputli from his
ancestors. Participated in the manufacture of Kathputli
for the past 35 years. Artisan not only sells Kathputlis,
but also performs puppet shows in various venues.

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ORIGIN

Some scholars believe that Kathputli’s artistic tradition has
a history of thousands of years. One can find references to it
in the folktales, ballads, and sometimes even folk songs of
Rajasthan. Similar puppets were found in West Bengal. They
are stick puppets. But it was the amazing kathputli of Rajasthan
that made India one of the first countries to invent traditional
puppets. The tribes of Rajasthan have been performing this
art since ancient times, and it has become an eternal part of
Rajasthan’s cultural diversity and traditions. Without Kathputlis,
rural markets, religious festivals and social gatherings in
Rajasthan would be incomplete. It is believed that some place
in Rajasthan Bhat tribal community began to use Kathputli as
a puppet art somewhere 1500 years ago. It is because of their
love of tradition that Kathputli’s art has withstood the test of
time. The Kathputli tradition is based on folk tales and stories.
Scholars believe that folk tales conveyed the way of life of the
ancient Rajasthani tribes, and Kathputli art may have originated
in today’s Nagaur and its surrounding areas. The kings and
nobles of Rajasthan are the patrons of arts and handicrafts,
and encourage craftsmen to engage in activities such as
wood carving and marble carving. Mainly weaving, pottery
and painting. For the past 500 years, Kathputli has been a
sponsorship system supported by kings and wealthy families.
The patron will care about the artist in exchange for the artist’s
praise of the patron’s ancestors. The Bhat community claimed
that their ancestors had performed for the royal family and
received great honor and prestige from the rulers of Rajasthan.

Today, Kathputli art is one of the most popular performing
arts in Rajasthan after Ghoomar. Organizations such as
Rupayan Sansthan, founded by Vijaydan Detha and Komal
Kothari in Jodhpur in 1960, and Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal in
Udaipur, founded by Devilal Samar in 1952, are committed
to protecting and promoting the field of Kathputli art.
He even owns a theater puppet. There is also a puppet
museum. The capital of New Delhi also has an area called
"Kathputli Colony" in Shadipur Depot. For half a century,
puppetists, magicians, acrobats, dancers and musicians
and other touring performance groups have settled here.

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SIGNIFICANCE

With an estimated population of 1.38* billion in our country, we have a rich cultural heritage of crafts
and each state has delivered the best possible crafts as a source of livelihood. While India itself has
an abundance of marionette art forms, Rajasthan is the abode of the Kathputli puppets. The art form
began in Rajasthan but it has been widespread to various other regions like Hyderabad, Delhi and
Karnataka. All the other states throughout India have replicated this craft in their own manner, distinctly
highlighting the influence of each state and their style of art forms. The craft was first established in
the Nagaur district of the marwar region in Rajasthan. Some parts of the community still work under
kathputli craft as strong as the strings attached to the puppet. As we lean towards Nagaur district and
Kathputli craft being the backbone of their livelihood, we also unfold aspects about their community.
The art of Kathputli lies in their storytelling and historic metaphors of the kings, queens, nobles
and even entertainers such as dancers,musicians and snake charmers. Even animals, like snakes,
are still relevant to add the element of fascination and surprise amongst the audience.” A few
characters and items like the court dancer, stunt horse rider, and snake charmer, are a must.” Kathputli
(kath=wood;putli=puppet {singular}) making tribes “belong to the bhatt community who wander from
one place to another like nomads, to perform and make a living out of it. The artisans also supply the
puppets to various performers and have settled in districts where they could establish their livelihood
and continue to work this craft at the same time. Under this marionette artform, the main centres of
this craft have been Jodhpur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Kotputli, Alwar, Udaipur and many more. The
community rely and work the most on their craft when the tourist season thrives the most in Rajasthan
because Kathputli lives on the concept of “the more, the merrier”. Thus, to conclude, the puppets
were not only a part of people’s entertainment but are the combination of stories and tales of legends,
heroes from mythological and social traditions. For people, the puppets are not just wood carved
dolls telling stories, but they also make them aware of moral and social education like the dowry
system, women empowerment, illiteracy, poverty, unemployment, health education and human rights.

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COMMUNITY AND INTRODUCTION TO THE
ARTISANS

The marvellous art of kathputli is centuries-old and rich is still rooted with their past generations and
still practised by the current generations with heart and soul. The craft was primarily started by the
Bhatt community which were known as Nats in the ancients times. “Nat, as the name suggests, means
‘dancers’(Sondgrass, 2004 ). The western region of Rajasthan is an abode to the performing communities
whose prowess lies in the art of puppetry, music, poetry, comedy, snake-charming, mimicry, etc.”[10]
These communities are composed of professional storytellers, skilled poets, and singers for centuries.
Bhatt’s are originally from the Nagaur district of the Marwar region near the Sahara desert. They
were agriculturalists who used to do cultivation and as Rajasthan has dry weather they have
drought conditions. So when cultivation was not possible they started to make puppets and perform
puppets shows to earn their living. They used to travel from village to village with their families living
like nomads. In the evening they perform puppet shows based on the local folk tales of the times.
At that time, puppet shows were one of the sources of entertainment for them. They were rewarded
with the money, livestock and food grains in return. Their tales became so popular that puppeteers
began to get encouragement and support from the royal kingdom. This let the puppeteers settle
down in different kingdoms, at that time every prime kingdom had its puppeteers which they used to
call them as charan. As they settled in major kingdoms they renewed the puppets like rulers, kings,
members of court and royal families. The tales were based on the bravery and victory of the kingdom
kings and their social life. In addition to being Royal kingdom puppeteers, they also played the role of
genealogists for their royal kingdoms and their family and important people in the villages and towns.
Puppeteers worship their forefathers’ ancestors, they treat them as their part of divinity as they are
sources of employment, peace and joy. When the puppets get old or torn which cannot be used
anymore they do not demolish it, they take the puppets to the holy river, worship them with some
chants and the puppet is flowed down with the stream on the way back to heaven. It is believed,
the longer the puppet stays, the more divine its existence is supposed. Puppeteers believe
that puppets must be sold in pairs, not to be sold individually because it causes bad fortune.
The art of puppetry flourished all over Indian with encouragement of the ruling kings. Rajasthan culture
is rich and prosperous and the kings of times used to support the art and creativity with, providing them
funds and resources. After independence, the art of kathputli declined; there were less opportunities
for the craftsmen to perform their shows; some shows were performed in the cultural festivals and
international fairs once or twice a year. In the times of the digital age, the source of entertainment has
changed. People are surrounded byYouTube, Netflix, socialmedia, etc. Due to lack ofopportunities, some
ofthem have changed theiroccupations and migrated to the metro cities forjobs.Theiraim is just to have a
decent living by preserving and carrying forward their craft with pride and joy for their future generations.

pg 44

pg 45

pg 46

PROCESS

Tools and Raw material
pg 47

TOOLS

Chorsi (Chisel):

Chisels of various forms and sizes are employed. Basic
wood carving is done using flat and large chisels. The
intricate parts, such as eyes, noses, and ears, are carved
out with a flat and small chisel. Further elaborate carving is
done a round-headed chisels.

Basola (Hammer):

Various sorts of hammers are employed during the
handcrafting process, ranging from large head hammers to
small head hammers. Both the types are used at different
points of the making process, such as when carving the
face and when nailing.

Sui (Needle):

Women require needles for stitching. Needles varying in size
from 1 inch to 4 inch are used depending on the situation.

Sewing Machine:

Hand-operated sewing machines are currently being used
by artists for a better finish and speedier work performance.

Scissors

Scissors are used by artisans to cut clothes, make strings,
and so on.

Files:

Small wooden files are used to smooth down the face.

Aari (Hand Saw):

Aari is a small hand saw that is used to cut wood.

pg 48

pg 49

pg 50