Which of the following is/are a feature of Kathputli?

1. It is a form of string puppetry.

2. These puppets wear long trailing skirts and do not have legs.

3. Their costumes and headgears are designed in the medieval Rajasthani style of dress.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

The correct answer is 1, 2 and 3.

Key Points

• The traditional marionettes of Rajasthan are known as Kathputli.
• Kathputli is a string puppet. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
• Kathputli is a combination of two Rajasthani language words Kath meaning wood and Putli meaning a doll.

Characteristics of Kathputli

• Kathputli means a puppet that is made entirely from wood.
• However, it is made out of wood, cotton cloth, and metal wire.
• These puppets are large colourfully dressed dolls.
• Their costumes and headgear are designed in the medieval Rajasthani style of dress. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
• The Kathputli is accompanied by a highly dramatized version of regional music.
• Facial Features: Oval faces, large eyes, arched eyebrows, and large lips.
• These puppets wear long trailing skirts and do not have legs. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
• Puppeteers manipulate them with two to five strings which are normally tied to their fingers and not to a prop or support.