Rajasthan Kathputli String Puppet Jodhpur Bhat Community

Kathputli string puppetry is the traditional art of the Bhat nomadic community of Rajasthan, practised for over 1000 years as itinerant performers travelling from village to village with stories of Rajput heroes, mythological episodes, and social satire. Kathputli puppets are made from mango wood with painted cloth bodies and elaborate royal costume, controlled by 7-10 strings attached to a ring on the puppet master hand. The puppets represent kings, queens, snake charmers, acrobats, and court jesters. Bhat families in Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Barmer districts maintain this tradition. Rajasthan government cooperatives market Kathputli as export craft and stage shows at Jaipur Literature Festival and Pushkar Fair, providing Bhat families with regular income.