The Art & The Artist: Traditional Puppetry Traditions
My journey in puppetry is a sacred duty, or 'kartavya nishta.' Here, I share the craft, the history, and the deep connection between our traditional storytelling and the human spirit.
This video celebrates the recognition of my life's work with the Padma Shri award and offers a close look at the 'Spiral of Life' installation. It features nine puppets in the Hoysala style, each depicting one of the Navarasas, or nine core human emotions, showcasing the depth and intricacy of traditional Indian string puppetry.
I am deeply humbled to be honored with the Padma Shri, as shared here by the Ministry of Culture. This recognition is not just for me, but for the timeless art of puppetry and for every artist working to keep our traditions alive.
This photograph from 1976 is a sweet memory and a surprise discovery. It shows me as a young girl in a dance class with my Guru, Kaushik sir. My journey in the traditional arts has been a long and blessed one, starting from a very young age.
Here I am speaking about the hidden potential of women in Bharata during an International Women's Day event. I believe art is a powerful medium for empowerment and for sharing important cultural insights.
This is a close-up of a puppet representing the tribals of Malwa, getting ready for a performance. The detailed painting, jewellery, and costume reflect our commitment to representing different cultural styles with authenticity and respect.
A detailed look at one of our traditional string puppets. The elaborate headgear, nose ring, and rich fabrics are all handcrafted to bring the character to life, reflecting the rich aesthetic traditions of our land.
During an event, I had a wonderful interaction with attendees who were curious about the simple puppets made during a workshop. It is always a pleasure to discuss the craft and see the joy it brings to people.
About The Art & The Artist
When you look closely at these puppets, you will notice the Hoysala temple influence in their facial features, intricate jewellery, and posture. I work with seasoned soft-wood and fabric to ensure each character embodies the specific rasa or emotion it represents. It is a slow, meditative process, one that requires patience and a steady hand, which is exactly what we teach in our hands-on workshops at the Mandala Cultural Centre.
For me, the puppet is not a doll; it is a medium for conversation. My work, which has been deeply influenced by the 13th-century Hoysala temple architecture of Karnataka, seeks to bridge the gap between our rich history and the modern, digital world.
The Anatomy of the Craft
Each puppet begins with a block of seasoned soft-wood. We follow the traditional reduction carving method, carefully shaping the features to reflect the Sringara Navarasa—the nine emotions. The costumes are not mere dressing; they are extensions of the character's soul, using traditional fabrics and handmade jewellery. When you join a workshop here, you are not just learning a hobby. You are learning the anatomy of a story.
Where We Work
We operate out of the Mandala Cultural Centre on Kanakapura Road, Bengaluru. This space is designed to be an immersion, far from the city noise, where the only thing that matters is the wood in your hands and the shlokas in the air.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to be an artist to start? Not at all. Many who join our beginner scarf puppet sessions have never touched wood-carving tools before. We guide you through every knot and carve.
- Is the wood carving difficult? It requires physical effort and focus. That is intentional. When your hands are busy carving, the mind finds a rare stillness.
- Can I learn performance? We do offer pathways into performance, particularly through our 'Pathashala' long-term school for those who wish to master the art of puppet manipulation, voice modulation, and story narration.
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