Volume-XII, Issue-III, May 2026 |
Strings of Decline: A Socio-Economic Study of the Kathputli Art Form in Jaipur City, Rajasthan Gagan Tanwar, Research Scholar, Govt. Arts College, Kota, University of Kota, Rajasthan, India |
Received: 22.04.2026 | Accepted: 07.05.2026 | Published Online: 31.05.2026 | Page No: 252-260 | ||||
DOI: 10.29032/ijhsss.vol.12.issue.03W.239 | |||||||
ABSTRACT | ||
Art plays an important role in human culture and helps define a nation’s identity. In India, Kathputli is one of the most famous art forms. This string puppetry from Rajasthan gets its name from 'Kath,' meaning 'wood,' and 'Putli,' meaning 'doll.' The Bhatt community first made these puppets using wood, cloth, and wire. Kathputli used to be a lively way to entertain people, teach lessons, and share cultural identity, especially in Jaipur, where its colorful dolls attracted large crowds. However, in recent years, this traditional art has declined because of changes in society, history, and technology. The COVID-19 pandemic made things even harder, as lockdowns stopped live performances and left artists without their main source of income or their audiences. Today, Kathputli is at risk of disappearing and needs urgent action to survive. | ||
Keywords: Kathputli, Art, National identity |