History of Hindi Puppetry

History of Hindi Puppetry

Puppetry has been a part of Indian culture for thousands of years, with various forms like Kathputli and Gombeyatha being popular across different regions. However, what we now refer to as Hindi puppetry is more specific to the states where Hindi is spoken, which includes parts of central northern India. These areas come under both Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. This form of puppetry is closely associated with the bazaars near the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh. Given its connection with these regions, it makes sense to trace the origins of this unique tradition back to them.

Pre-Independence Era

The roots of Hindi puppetry can be traced back to the pre-independence era when people used to gather around the traditional open wells known locally as 'Bawaris' located in the heart of every village and city. In these gathering places, handmade paper puppets were displayed using bamboo sticks or strings attached from above. The figures depicted gods, goddesses, princes, princesses, animals, birds, and other characters from mythology, folklore, historical events, and daily life scenes. Over time, these miniature displays evolved into full-fledged performances incorporating narratives, songs, dances, music, comedy skits, and dialogues between puppeteers.

Post-Independence Era

After independence, modernization led to the decline of public interest in traditional arts such as Hindi puppetry. With changing times, materials also changed from handmade cotton cloth and jute bags to synthetic materials. Despite this shift in materials, there was little change in design concepts, which remained largely unaltered over centuries. It was only during the early twenty-first century, particularly after the year 2009, that efforts were made towards reviving this dying artform.

Revival Efforts

Organizations like Jagriti and Sankat Mochan Foundation have played crucial roles in promoting and preserving Hindi puppetry. They organize workshops, training sessions, puppet festivals, exhibitions, seminars, conferences, and documentary screenings to create awareness among youngsters regarding the importance of traditional arts. Additionally, private organizations like Cinekraft, supported by NGOs like Aditya Birla Group's Abhishek Ashram in Indore, have been instrumental in organizing puppet shows based on folk tales and legends from ancient India, thereby keeping alive the vibrant legacy of Hindi puppetry.

Today, Hindi puppetry stands as a testimony to the resilience of traditional arts against odds, thanks to the dedicated efforts of those who continue to safeguard this cultural heritage.