Shadow Puppet
Traditionally, India has had a rich heritage of puppetry. Shadow puppetry is one such traditional form of puppetry prevalent in all the four southern states of India viz., Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Performed in villages, traditional puppetry in India is a family occupation, which has been followed for several generations without any other means of livelihood. Over the years, it has developed into a powerful media of communication. Today, it is not merely a form of entertainment but also used by educators and students as a form of communication. Puppetry offers a real challenge to the imagination and creative ability of the individual. Of all art media, it is probably the least restricted in its form, design colour and movement and the least expensive of all animated visual art forms. This medium in its contemporary form, has tremendous potential for communication, puppets have unlimited possibilities for entertainment, education, self-expression and social action.
