Times of Rajasthan · Rajasthan Darshan

Kathputli — stories that dance on strings

Bright costumes, large eyes and nimble strings — Rajasthan’s centuries-old puppet theatre.

Rajasthan Darshan · 1/3

The magic of strings

A carved wooden face, bright clothes and strings above — the puppeteer’s fingers bring the kathputli to life.

Manojmeena / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Rajasthan Darshan · 2/3

The show begins

On a little stage with a red curtain, kings, queens, horsemen and dancers act out folk tales in song and dance.

Ktorrespr / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Rajasthan Darshan · 3/3

An art of generations

Artists of the Bhat community have kept this art for generations — the saga of Amar Singh Rathore is their most famous show.

Meanest Indian from Rajasthan / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)