Artistic tradition of Tholu Bommalata

Tholu bommalata is the traditional shadow puppet theatre art of the southern states in India dating back to 3rd century BCE Tholu bommalata is the traditional shadow puppet theatre art of the southern states in India dating back to 3rd century BCE

The literal meaning of phrase is “dance of leather puppets”, “ Tholu means leather, Bommalu ”, meaning puppets and “atta”, meaning dance.

Shadow puppetry of Nimmalakunta is a living folk tradition of Indian theatrical storytelling Shadow puppetry of Nimmalakunta is a living folk tradition of Indian theatrical storytelling

Puppets have many articulations and so the legs, arms, head and the waist moves. Backstage, the puppeteer dances along with his puppet, enabling it to move with the rhythm. Puppets have many articulations and so the legs, arms, head and the waist moves. Backstage, the puppeteer dances along with his puppet, enabling it to move with the rhythm.

However, this theatre tradition has lost its luster with advent of Cinema and television.

These Leather artisans are trying to keep this traditional art-form alive in forms of decorative accents. These Leather artisans are trying to keep this traditional art-form alive in forms of decorative accents.

Lamps, paitings, wall-hangings and even jewelleries are made. Lamps, paitings, wall-hangings and even jewelleries are made. SHOP

Artistic tradition of Tholu Bommalata

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