String Puppets of Karnataka
String puppets of Karnataka are hugely popular among the native people as well as in the other states.
|
|
String puppets are an essential part of theatre crafts. Karnataka is a place where string puppets are used in abundance to enact the local and popular folk dramas. Puppetry in Karnataka is believed to have existed at the time of 'Kanakadasa' and 'Purandaradasa' and its roots are traced to the coastal tract of Karnataka. The string puppets of Karnataka are called 'Gombeyatta'. The specially created string puppets of Karnataka are styled and designed like the characters of 'Yakshagana' which is the traditional and regional theatre form. The dolls of 'Yakshagana' or the puppets are shaped out of light wood. The Gombeyatta puppet figures are highly stylized and have joints at the legs, shoulders, elbows, hips and knees. These puppets are manipulated by five to seven strings tied to a prop up. Some of the more complicated movements of the puppet are manipulated by two to three puppeteers at a time. Episodes enacted in Gombeyatta are usually based on Prasangas of the Yakshagana plays. The music that plays along with the shows is dramatic and beautifully blends folk and classical elements.
String Puppet of Karnataka is also termed as marionette which is still in existence the state. Made of wood, the puppets of North Karnataka are short and slim in appearance having a pair of legs and hands whereas the puppets of South Karnataka are three feet high but without legs. Some of the puppet troupes have discarded strings and have replaced them with rods for easier manipulation of string puppets.
Being an indispensable element of theatre craft, string puppets are mostly manufactured in Karnataka. Since antiquity the state has been representing the folk tradition and culture through puppetry in which string puppet are the main characters.
This article is a stub. You can enrich by adding more information to it. Send your Write Up to content@indianetzone.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recently Updated Articles in Indian Crafts
|
|
|
• | Bamboo Umbrellas Umbrellas form prominent cane and bamboo products used in Manipur. The traditional bamboo umbrellas used by the people of Manipur is referred to as ‘Yenpak’.
| | • | Totems - Bamboo Products Totems in the form of tall decorated bamboo poles are erected by the people in Manipur. They mark religious significance and are held sacred in the land.
| | • | Thali in Mughal Period Thalis which were made during the Mughal period were not only used as trays for accompanying huqqa but were also used to serve food. The thalis came in beautiful designs and showed the excellent artistic skills.
| | • | Kumbha - Waterpots Kumbha are water pots that were found initially in the Indus Valley Civilization, used to store water.
| | • | Kiritams `Kiritams`, in theatre craft plays an authoritative role for staging distinct characters.
| | |
|
|
|
|