A few notes from an afternoon of conversation with the puppeteers and their family at Devaali village.

* The biggest difference they see between the olden days and today, is that puppet shows earlier were structured to be as long as 2-3 hours and all the viewers sat through the show with interest. It was fulfilling to be an entertainer in those days. Today, the show lasts for barely 15 minutes. To hold the attention of the audience, puppeteers now display dramatic acts of skill rather than use their skill as a medium for narrating legends and tales. In smaller villages narration is still the active focus of the puppet shows, but with the advent of electronic entertainment, this medium is losing its appeal as an entertainment form.

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The wood used for puppets made for shows is different from the wood used for puppets made as souveniers / home decor.

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All the puppetteers belong to a single clan and although they have settled in a few places around Rajasthan, they all know each other though extended families.

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The family heads are dedicated to the art & craft that their clan has practiced for generations and determined to see that it survives. It is heartening to see that the son – now around 25 years of age –  is following the family tradition of making and performing puppet shows.

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2 comments on “Puppets & Puppeteers of Nagaur Rajasthan”

1. krishna

   November 5, 2013

   I have been to Bagor ki haveli in Udaipur, it is also known as paschimi ksetra sanskritik kendra.:) It belonged to a wealthy family of Parsi community.it is nice article, can you please throw some light on the clan of these katputli walaz. who are they basically I need to know.May be I ll meet them.

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2. wovensouls

   November 5, 2013

   I will have to find my notes and look for the contacts details (not an easy task). But if you go to the haveli – the young men who show you around in the puppet museum will be able to direct you to them. They are very hospitable and very warm people.

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