• Indian Puppetry
• Puppet Types
  • Glove
  • Rod
  • Shadow
  • String
• Puppet Traditions
• Pavai

Different types of puppets are used in traditional puppetry. The differences exist not only in names, but also in form, structure, manipulation and presentation techniques. The different traditional forms are glove, rod, string, and shadow puppets. The local name given to puppetry varies from state to state within India.

String
The string puppet also known as marionettes has jointed body and limbs that allow movement. String puppets are made of wood, or wire, or cloth stuffed with cotton, rags or saw dust. The puppet is suspended from a hand held control strings that are attached to different parts of the puppet's body. The puppet is manipulated by operating the control as well as by loosening or pulling the relevant string(s). Some of the traditional string puppets are very heavy. For the convenience of manipulation and support, two rods are attached to the hands of the puppets. This method is used only in the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Traditional string puppet shows are prevalent in the states of Andhra Pradesh (Koyya Bommalata), Assam (Putala Nach), Karnataka (Sutrada Gombeyata), Maharashtra (Kalasutri Bahulya), Rajasthan (Kathputli), Orissa (Gopalila), Tamil Nadu (Bommalatam) and West Bengal (Tarer or Sutor Putul).