Tholpavakoothu, an ancient form of shadow puppetry from Kerala, holds deep spiritual and cultural significance, particularly as a ritual offering to Goddess Bhadrakali. Dedicated to the goddess, this art form is traditionally performed in Bhagavathi temples across the state. The stories depicted in Tholpavakoothu are primarily based on the Kamba Ramayan, and the puppets used are beautifully chiseled out from animal hide. Tholpavakoothu is distinct from other forms of shadow puppetry, notably due to its use of a yellow light background, a characteristic made possible by the traditional oil lamps employed during the performances. This unique lighting technique creates a warm ambiance that enhances the visual storytelling. Additionally, Tholpavakoothu has been performed mainly in Devi temples for decades, establishing a consistent and sacred platform for its enactment.
Rama in Leather Puppetry by Rajeev Pulavar
According to the legends, Bhadrakali, created by Lord Shiva from the poison in his throat, missed witnessing Lord Rama’s triumph over Ravana. To appease her, Shiva blessed her with performances of the Ramayana in temples dedicated to her. Thus, Tholpavakoothu is performed as a ritual during temple festivals to please Bhadrakali, allowing her to witness the entire Ramayana, from Rama's birth to his coronation, over twenty-one days. The performance is an important spiritual offering during the months of January to March.
Tholpavakoothu puppets are intricately crafted from translucent animal hide, with various carvings and details. There are several types of carvings used in puppet-making, such as Veeralipatte, Nakshatrakothu, Nelmanikothu, and Chandrakalaroopam. Over 120 puppets are used in the full play of the Ramayana. Bamboo sticks are attached to the puppets to facilitate movement, ensuring they remain upright. The puppets can be categorized into five types: sitting puppets (with one movable hand), standing puppets (one movable hand), walking puppets (movable legs), lying puppets, and war puppets (movable hands and legs). Some notable puppets include those of Rama’s mother Kausalya, Sita’s father, Ravana’s ministers, and the vulture Jatayu, all of which are used in performances at Aryankavu temple.
The puppets of Tholpavakoothu are intricately crafted from leather, primarily sourced from animals like deer and goats. Deerskin is preferred due to its sacred and pure properties. The puppet-making process begins by spreading a thick paste of water and ashes on the hairy side of the skin, which is then dried in the sun to facilitate hair removal. After the skin is cleaned and dried, the outline of the puppet is drawn, and the shaping is done through careful chiseling, ensuring that the natural thickness of the deerskin is retained for optimal shadow projection. Tiny holes are punched into the leather to highlight the shadows, and the puppets are colored using a limited palette of natural dyes. A bamboo stick is fixed at the center of each puppet, enabling movements that create the illusion of dancing, walking, speaking, and even combat between the characters.
A large white cotton dhoti serves as the screen, with traditional oil lamps made from broken coconut shells and cotton threads positioned behind it. The puppets are manipulated between the lamps and the screen, casting colorful shadows that captivate the audience. The artists narrate the story with accompanying dialogues, singing, and sound effects, often utilizing traditional musical instruments such as the chenda, maddalam, conch, ezhupara, and ilathalam. The performances are typically a family affair, with multiple participants involved in controlling the lamps, handling the puppets, singing, and creating sound effects. All of this takes place behind the screen, invisible to the audience, which adds to the enchanting experience of the performance.
Tholpavakoothu: Shadow Puppet Play of Kerala, India
In the context of Tholpavakoothu, the term "Pulavar" refers to the scholars who play a crucial role in the performances. Derived from Tamil, the word means "the one who talks to God for the people." Pulavars are well-versed in Tamil, Sanskrit, and Malayalam, and they are responsible for narrating the verses that accompany the puppetry. Each Pulavar undergoes rigorous training, learning and memorizing the verses used in the performances. Aspiring artists must go through several stages of training
Tholpavakoothu is not merely a form of entertainment; it is a profound cultural ritual steeped in tradition, spirituality, and artistic craftsmanship. As this ancient art form continues to thrive in the modern world, it serves as a vital link between the past and present, preserving the rich heritage of Kerala while captivating new generations. The dedication of the Pulavars and artisans ensures that the stories of the Ramayana and the divine presence of Goddess Bhadrakali remain alive in the hearts of the people, making Tholpavakoothu a cherished and enduring legacy of Indian culture.
Ravana in Leather Puppetry by Rajeev Pulavar
- JOSEPH, SHINY. 2017. "THOLPAVAKOOTHU: THE SHADOW ." IJCRT.
- Muthukumaran, Dr. R. 2021. "A STUDY OF TOLPAVA KOOTHU, OR SHADOW PUPPETRY, THE RITUAL ." Sambodhi.
- Nishanth, Anisha. 2021. "Tholpavakoothu: A Study on The Performing Art of Shadow Puppetry in Kerala." International Journal of Research- Granthaalatah.
- Sangeeth, Sankar A., and Rahul Koonathara. 2023. Exploring Spirituality in TholpavakoothuShadow Puppetry of Kerala. Routledge.
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