Published: 07:48 AM, 24 July 2026
History of Puppet Show in South Asia: A Timeless Tradition of Storytelling
Rifat Rafique Badhan
For centuries, puppet shows have entertained, educated, and inspired people across South Asia. More than a form of amusement, puppetry has served as a powerful medium of storytelling, preserving cultural traditions, religious beliefs, social messages, and historical memories. From village fairs to royal courts, puppet theatre has remained an important part of the region’s artistic heritage.
The origins of puppetry in South Asia can be traced back thousands of years. Ancient Indian literature contains references to puppets and performers who used artificial figures to narrate stories. Some historians believe that the tradition developed alongside folk theatre, where artists used creative performances to communicate myths, legends, and moral lessons to ordinary people. Over time, puppet shows spread across different regions, each developing its own unique style and technique.
India became one of the major centres of traditional puppetry in South Asia. Different states developed distinctive forms based on local culture and available materials. In Rajasthan, the famous Kathputli tradition became popular, featuring wooden puppets controlled by strings. These colourful puppets were used to present stories of kings, warriors, and heroes. The performances were often accompanied by music, singing, and dramatic narration.
In southern India, other forms of puppetry flourished. The Tholu Bommalata tradition of Andhra Pradesh used large leather shadow puppets to present stories from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. In Odisha, the Sakhi Kandhei style used wooden puppets, while West Bengal developed Putul Nach, a form of puppet dance known for its emotional storytelling and musical performances.
Puppetry also became deeply connected with religious and cultural celebrations. Many puppet performances focused on stories about gods, legendary figures, and moral values. These shows allowed people in rural communities, many of whom had limited access to formal education, to learn about history, ethics, and traditions through entertainment.
In Bangladesh, puppet theatre has been an important part of folk culture for generations. Known locally as Putul Naach, traditional puppet shows were once common attractions at village fairs, festivals, and community gatherings. Puppet artists used wooden figures, colourful costumes, music, and dialogue to tell stories about everyday life, social problems, and historical events. The performances reflected the hopes, struggles, and experiences of ordinary people.
Pakistan also has a rich puppet tradition. In regions such as Punjab and Sindh, puppeteers used handmade figures to perform folk tales, heroic stories, and humorous plays. These performances often combined music, poetry, and satire, allowing artists to comment on social issues while entertaining audiences. The tradition of string puppetry, particularly in rural areas, continues to represent the cultural diversity of the country.
Across South Asia, puppet shows have played an important role in spreading social awareness. In the modern era, puppetry has been used to promote education, public health, environmental protection, and social equality. Organizations and educators have used puppet theatre as an effective tool because its simple and engaging style can reach people of all ages.
However, traditional puppetry has faced challenges in recent decades. The growth of television, cinema, and digital entertainment has reduced the popularity of live puppet performances. Many traditional puppeteers struggle to continue their art because of limited financial support and fewer opportunities. Younger generations are often more attracted to modern forms of entertainment, creating concerns about the survival of ancient puppet traditions.
Despite these challenges, efforts are being made to preserve and revive puppet theatre. Cultural organizations, artists, and governments have started arranging festivals, workshops, and training programs to support puppeteers. Modern performers are also experimenting with new themes and techniques, combining traditional puppetry with contemporary storytelling.
Today, puppet shows remain a valuable symbol of South Asia’s cultural identity. They represent the creativity, imagination, and storytelling abilities of generations of artists. Although the methods and audiences have changed, the spirit of puppetry continues to live on.
The history of puppet shows in South Asia is not merely the history of wooden figures and colourful performances; it is the story of communities preserving their voices through art. As a bridge between the past and the present, puppetry continues to remind people of the power of stories and the importance of protecting cultural heritage.
Rifat Rafique Badhan is a freelancer
and a columnist.
