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It is one of the important traditional media for communicating technology to the farmers in the villages. Puppetry is believed to be the oldest form of popular theatre in India. The term, sutradhar (string holder) was used for the director or the stage manager in the live, classical (sanskrit) theatre of ancient India (AD 100-1000). Experts reason that this use of the terminology derived from the puppet theatre is an evidence that puppetry preceded the live theatre in India.
In ancient India, especially in the South, the puppeteers were respected as intellectuals. They were usually patronized by kings and wealthy families and enjoyed immense prestige. The art of puppetry was popular both as pure entertainment and as an educational medium.
Puppetry is especially suitable for villages. It is an inexpensive activity. It is an easily acquired art and even crudely made puppets when played with a lively sense of drama can hold an audience. The puppet play can impart lessons on health, literacy, agriculture, home-making; education, employment, rural youth activities, recreation, etc. There are many types of puppets:
String puppets (originated in Rajasthan), Glove puppets (source unknown), Rod puppets (Orissa and Tamil Naidu) and Shadow puppets (Kerala and Orissa).
Puppets can make an impact, if properly used with the active participation of the local people. Local dialect should be used if at all a foreigner' wants to stage a performance in a village. Puppetry attracts all age-groups.
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