Art and Culture

Origin: Modern circus as described by Philip Astley (considered to be the father of Modern circus) started appearing in India in the 1880s. Evolution of Modern India Circus in India In 1879, the Royal Italian Circus by Giuseppe Chiarini toured … Continue reading →

Pavakoothu State: Kerala Features It came into existence during the 18th century due to the influence of Kathakali. The face of the puppet is decorated with paints, small and thin pieces of gilded tin, the feathers of the peacock, etc. … Continue reading →

Putul Nach State: West Bengal Features They are carved from wood and follow the various artistic styles of a particular region. They are costumed like the actors of Jatra, a traditional theatre form prevalent in the State. Yampuri State: Bihar … Continue reading →

Togalu Gombeyatta State: Karnataka Features These puppets are mostly small in size. The puppets however differ in size according to their social status Tholu Bommalata State: Andhra Pradesh Features The puppets are large in size and have jointed waist, shoulders, … Continue reading →

Kathputli State: Rajasthan. Features: These puppets are carved from single piece of wood, and then covered with colourful long flowing skirt from waist and headgears. Kundhei State: Odisha Feature: Made of light wood, the Odisha puppets have no legs but … Continue reading →

String Puppets Features The puppets are generally eight to nine inch miniature figures chiselled out of wood.  Oil paint is used to paint the wood initially and to add other facial features such as eyes, lips, nose, etc.  Small wooden … Continue reading →

In the nineteenth century, many theatres sprang up in Calcutta, such as Belgachia Natyashala and Shobhabazar Natyashala. Indians evolved their own theatrical style during the British era, integrating elements of both Western and Indian styles. In contrast to the ancient … Continue reading →

Name  Location Features Villu Paatu Kerala and some parts of Tamil Nadu Stories of Ramayana are narrated using bow shaped instruments. Yakshagana Kerala and Karnataka  It originated in the royal courts of the Vijayanagara empire and was performed by a … Continue reading →

Name Location Features Bhavai Rajasthan Extensive use of dance to narrate a series of small plays. Theme is romantic and accompanied by semi-classical music. Daskathia Odisha The narration is accompanied by dramatic music composed using a wooden musical instrument called … Continue reading →

Name Location Features Ankia Naat  Assam One act play developed by Vaishnava Saint Sankaradeva and his disciple Madhavadeva in the 15th-16th century CE. Theme related to Lord Krishna. Plays are written in Assamese-Maithili mixed language called Brajavali. Ramlila Uttar Pradesh … Continue reading →