Puppetry, an ancient art form, is slowly fading away. Ramesh Raval, a 72-year-old puppeteer from Ahmedabad, has spent five decades mastering this art, creating over 2,000 puppets and performing shows in India and abroad. His passion for puppetry began when he was introduced to Darpana Academy, where he learned that puppets could bring paintings to life.
Despite his dedication, Ramesh faces challenges in keeping the art form alive, citing lack of government support and the rise of digital entertainment. “Television, especially, has given us a big blow,” he says. Ramesh’s story is a testament to the struggles faced by traditional artists in India, where many are forced to abandon their craft due to financial constraints and declining popularity.
Indian puppetry has a rich history, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization, with various regional styles like Kathputli, Tholu Bommalata, and Pavakoothu. These traditional art forms not only entertain but also educate and convey moral messages. Kathputli, for instance, is a traditional puppetry style from Rajasthan, where wooden puppets are used to narrate mythological stories. Tholu Bommalata, a leather puppetry style from Andhra Pradesh, uses intricately designed puppets to depict epic tales. Pavakoothu, a traditional puppetry style from Kerala, uses colourful puppets to retell stories from Hindu epics.
Ramesh’s family has been involved in puppetry for generations, but he struggles to make ends meet. “ The concerned officials and politicians must make puppet shows an integral part of cultural functions and festivals in villages, towns, and cities,” he urges. Wealthy patrons can also arrange for puppet shows during their celebrations, helping to keep this art form alive. Puppet shows have powerful visual impact and establish direct rapport with the audience. They can be tailored to promote civic sense, awareness of socio-economic problems, and national issues. Schools can arrange for puppet shows on different themes, helping children learn new things in a novel way. “Puppets provide a way of holding children’s attention and in a way helps in behaviour change,” says Ramesh.
The government must think of a permanent source of income to provide livelihood to puppeteers like Ramesh Raval. Initiatives like including puppetry in school curricula, providing financial support to puppeteers, and promoting cultural exchange programs can help revive this ancient art form. Some students, like those from the National Institute of Design, have created innovative puppetry projects, showcasing the art form’s potential in modern contexts. Some notable puppeteers, like Dadi Pudumjee and Ramdas Pandhye, have contributed significantly to the preservation and promotion of Indian puppetry. Efforts are being made to modernize puppetry, incorporating contemporary themes and techniques to make it more accessible to younger audiences.
Ramesh’s story highlights the importance of preserving India’s cultural heritage. As he continues to perform, he’s hopeful that one day, puppetry will regain its rightful place in Indian culture. With support and recognition, this ancient art form can thrive, entertaining and educating future generations. Raval’s story is a testament to the challenges faced by traditional artists in India. Despite his dedication to puppetry, he struggles to make ends meet. To address these challenges, it’s essential to promote and support traditional arts like puppetry. Initiatives like including puppetry in school curricula, providing financial support to puppeteers, and promoting cultural exchange programs can help revive this ancient art form. With support and recognition, this ancient art form can thrive, entertaining and educating future generations. |
