The project Ancient Strings, Modern Narratives engages with Kathputli, a traditional string puppet art form from Rajasthan, India. It features three handmade puppets, to discuss how puppets have long been used as a storytelling medium.

In an age where globalisation and technology increasingly dominate cultural narratives, there is a pressing need to preserve and revitalise traditional forms of storytelling that embody India’s diverse heritage. Kathputli is a traditional string puppet art form native to Rajasthan, India. The term is derived from two Rajasthani words: kath (wood) and putli (doll). This art form offers a compelling medium for cultural repair—a concept that involves the restoration of cultural identity, traditions, and reconnecting modern audiences with ancient stories and communal wisdom. However, the pressures of globalisation, from western entertainment to digital media and shifting economic landscapes, threaten the survival of these art forms. Many traditional practices, materials, and narratives are at risk of fading away.

Kathputlis were not merely a form of entertainment, but also a means of preserving and passing on Rajasthani culture. The art flourished under the patronage of Rajput rulers, who supported puppeteers to narrate epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is believed that the Bhatt community were the curators of these remarkable puppets. They were traditionally nomadic and would travel from village to village in troupes performing plays that narrate the local folk stories of their kings and queens.

Traditional puppetry is deeply rooted in local materials, aesthetics, and customs. Yet globalisation has altered the availability of resources and shaped audience preferences. Today, many artisans resort to using cheaper, mass-produced materials instead of handcrafted, region-specific ones, compromising the authenticity and cultural significance of their craft. These changes not only affect the visual and tactile qualities of the puppets but also the values and histories they represent.

Each puppet in this series carries symbolic costumes and vibrant details, reflecting the visual aesthetics of their region and the craftsmanship unique to India’s cultural tapestry. By exploring these artistic values, I hope to highlight the beauty and diversity of traditional puppetry.

Beyond storytelling, puppetry has provided livelihoods for generations of artisans and performers. Revitalising interest in this tradition—by creating opportunities for public displays and encouraging sustainable practices—can support these communities economically and culturally. Through this project, I hope to reimagine traditional Indian puppetry in a way that honours its past while adapting it for the future.