- They are attached with two to five strings which are normally tied to the fingers of the performer, who manipulate the puppets.
- The very famous string puppets in India are Kathputli tradition of Rajasthan
- These puppets are carved from single piece of wood, and then covered with colourful long flowing skirt from waist and headgears.
- String puppets are also popular in Orissa, Karnatak and Tamil Nadu.
Figure: String puppets
- Famous examples of string puppets in Indian include: Kundhei (Odisha), Gombeyatta (Karnataka), Bommalattam (Tamil Nadu)
- Kundhei, Odisha: The string puppets of Orissa are known as Kundhei. Made of light wood, the Odisha puppets have no legs but wear long flowing skirts. They have more joints and are, therefore, more versatile, articulate and easy to manipulate.
Figure: Kundhei, Odisha
Gombeyatta, Karnataka: They are styled and designed like the characters of Yakshagana, the traditional theatre form of the region. Episodes enacted in Gombeyatta are usually based on Prasangas of the Yakshagana plays. The music that accompanies is dramatic and beautifully blends folk and classical elements.
- Bommalattam, Tamil Nadu: Puppets from Tamil Nadu, known as Bommalattam combine the techniques of both rod and string puppets. They are made of wood and the strings for manipulation are tied to an iron ring which the puppeteer wears like a crown on his head.
Figure: Bommalattam, Tamil Nadu
