Andhra Pradesh
The shadow form of puppetry locally called Tholu Bommalata, meaning dance of leather puppets (tholu – leather, bommalata – puppet dance) is widely practiced in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
The puppets are brightly coloured and are made out of goat skin. These leather puppets are about 5-6 ft. in height and have joints at shoulders, elbows, knees and sometimes also the waist, neck and ankles. Traditionally, vegetable dyes are used for colouring the puppets. However, now-a-days chemical dyes which are easily available are also used for colouring the puppets. Perforations are made wherever required on the puppet figure and eyes are painted last. A slim bamboo stick is tied to the puppet which keeps it vertically straight. The puppets are pressed slightly against white screen and manipulated. The audience see the shadow or image. The themes of the play are based on episodes from Ramayana, Mahabaratha or Krishna legend.
The shadow puppeteers of Andhra Pradesh are spread all over the state. A co-operative puppet-making training centre in Anantapur district helps to promote this art form. There are number of families who have also opted for alternate livelihoods like production of decorative lampshades, wall hangings etc. made of leather which brings in good revenue in the national and international market.
The string form is called Koyyabommalata. This form is practiced by few families.
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