The Politics of Puppetry: Studying the Play Amar Singh Rathore: Kathputli-Ka-Khel as a Challenge to Hegemonic Construction

Abstract

Rajasthan is widely considered as the hub of folk art and folk theatre. Puppetry also known as Kathputli is performed by the Bhat community precisely which renders them as an inevitable part of oral literature and also as the main contributor in documenting history of Kings. The artform of Puppetry has always been a genre that never fails to capture immediate attention and has the power to bind the audience, compelling them to think as to what the puppet masters of the Bhat community are trying to point out. Our reasons for choosing Puppetry as the prime focus of our small project has been inspired by the same argument. Folklore has immense aesthetic and traditional values for every region. The way it ranges from talking about mythical celestial heroes to kings and their kingdoms, kathputli tradition has incorporated it all. Our inclination towards the art of string Puppetry is undeniable. The efficiency with which the Bhats have employed their skills to demolish the hegemonic constructions, depicts that their methods are nothing short of perfection. This article attempts to venture into this very discourse, unravelling the politicised stance of Puppetry in decentring the hegemony of caste/class construction.