- Rod puppets are an extension of glove puppets, they are much larger in size and often supported and manipulated by rods from below.
- These puppets are found in West Bengal and Orissa, in both these places puppets are connected with traditional folk performances.
- Examples of rod puppets in India include: Putul Nach (West Bengal), Yampuri (Bihar)
- Putul Nach
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- They are carved from wood and follow the various artistic styles of a particular region.
- The Bengal rod-puppets are about 3 to 4 feet in height and are costumed like the actors of Jatra, a traditional theatre form prevalent in the State.
- The technique of manipulation is highly theatrical.
- A bamboo-made hub is tied firmly to the waist of the puppeteer on which the rod holding the puppet is placed.
- The puppeteers each holding one puppet, stand behind a head-high curtain and while manipulating the rods also move and dance imparting corresponding movements to the puppets.
Figure: Putul Nach, West Bengal
- Yampuri, Bihar
- The traditional Rod puppet of Bihar is known as Yampuri. These puppets are made of wood. Unlike the traditional Rod puppets of West Bengal and Orissa, these puppets are in one piece and have no joints.
- As these puppets have no joints, the manipulation is different from other Rod puppets and requires greater dexterity.
Figure: Yampuri, Bihar
