Kathputli colony UX research

Abstract:

Puppetry is one of the oldest forms of storytelling, evolving across geographies with distinctive local flavors. In India, puppetry is intricately tied to cultural, regional, and performative traditions carried forward by communities that have preserved and transformed these practices over centuries. This paper explores the diverse puppetry forms in India, including string, shadow, rod, and glove puppets, with a detailed account of their regional uniqueness and the study highlights the sociocultural significance of the Kathputli Colony in Delhi — a historic settlement of traditional puppeteers and performers, primarily of Rajasthani origin. The research aims to document not only the forms and techniques of Indian puppetry but also the communities and their migratory legacies that have kept this art alive in contemporary urban spaces. In this paper, I will provide some insights about how the art of puppetry is dying and how we can revive this dying art. During the research, I interacted with puppet artists of the kathputli colony which was relocated in 2008 for a rural development project, and how the modern era is affecting this art we will also discover the unknown aspects of puppetry art and how to revive this dying art.

1. Introduction

Puppetry, as a visual and performance art form, has long served as a medium for communication, cultural preservation, and education. Its evolution in India is marked by a rich diversity of styles, each rooted in regional heritage and socio-religious narratives. Indian puppetry combines craftsmanship, oral storytelling, music, and ritual, often passed down orally within families and artisan communities. As modernization continues to threaten traditional livelihoods, it becomes crucial to document these practices and understand their contemporary relevance. This paper presents a typological overview of Indian puppetry and examines the role of Kathputli Colony in safeguarding these traditions.