Bommalattam, the puppet show or puppet dance, is one of the oldest art forms in

India, being especially popular in South India. Bommalattam originated in Tamil

Nadu, a state that has a reputation for being the birthplace of various arts,
entertainments, and dances. Performed with puppets in temples during various
festivals, the performances may last for a week or ten days, usually continuing
overnight.
The stories portrayed are mostly Hindu epics. Bommalattam was also used during
the freedom struggle to promote nationalistic zeal.

HISTORY
Itinerant performers, epic reciters, storytellers, picture-showman, and clowns had
become popular since the 10th century A.D. after the breakdown of classical
tradition. Since puppets were used to portray gods and heroes, Bommalattam was
very popular during India’s medieval period. Large crowds would gather and fill the
streets to watch the performances. The puppeteers, being itinerant artists, were
always present in village markets and fairs on the occasions of civic and religious
functions, and also for important household events.

There are two forms of traditional puppetry practiced in Tamil Nadu: Bommalattam
(string puppetry) and Thol Bommalattam (shadow puppetry).

Bommalattam combines the techniques of both rod puppets and string puppets. The
strings for manipulation are tied to an iron ring which the puppeteer wears like a
crown on his head. A few puppets have jointed arms and hands that are manipulated
by rods. The wooden Bommalattam puppets are the largest, heaviest, and most
articulate of all traditional Indian marionettes. A puppet may be as big as 4.5 feet in
height and weigh up to ten kilograms (22 pounds).

The leather shadow puppets used in Thol Bommalattam are flat figures that are
pressed against the screen with a strong light shining from behind. The puppets
create silhouettes or colorful shadows for the viewers in front of the screen.

AESTHETICS
Bommalattam puppets may be made of cloth, wood, leather, or other materials. The
puppets are controlled through strings or wires suspended from above and tied to
the hands and legs of the puppets. Highly skilled and experienced players stand
behind a screen, unseen by the audience, and move the puppets.

A Bommalattam troupe includes five to eight members, but a single puppeteer

presents the whole show. An assistant hands the artist the right puppet and
musicians repeat the songs after their leader.

The shows begin with the homage to God and continue with humorous stories. The
buffoon is an extremely hilarious character displaying fun and frolic.

Bommalattam performances are closely associated with religious and ceremonial

events such as temple festivals. The shows were also sponsored by individuals for
the fulfillment of vows, thanksgiving for marriages and childbirth, or the welfare of the
community, among other purposes. In earlier days, Bommalattam was used to tell
religious stories, especially ethical stories such as Ramayana, Mahabharatha, and
Bhagavatha. People used to believe that it was auspicious to host a puppet show, as
this could ward off evil spirits from their villages.
STALWARTS
The Mangala Gana Bommalaata Sabha, Sri Gana Natar Sabha, and Sri Murugan
Bommalaata Sabha operate from Kumbakonam, while the Sri Rama Vilasa
Kattabommu Nataka Sabha works out of Chinna Siragapatti in the Salem district.

POPULARITY
Bommalattam is very famous for its traditional tales such as Valli Kalyanam (Valli’s
marriage), Sita Kalyanam (Sita’s wedding), Harichandra, Lava Kusa, Nallatangal
Kathai and Markandeyan Kathai (Markandeyan’s story). The traditional puppet show
has also been used these days to spread modern messages, such as creating
awareness for family planning and AIDS.

Some puppeteers perform in a tent and charge a fee; but the art is facing extinction
because of lack of patronage.

INSTITUTIONS
Apart from the individual puppeteers, there are also many institutions involved in the
promotion of Bommalattam. Some of them follow:

The Tamil Nadu Traditional, Cultural & Educational Charitable Trust endeavors to
popularize the art of Tamil Nadu among students and youth. Tamil Nadu
folk arts such Mayil Attam, Bommalattam, Kummi, Kai Silambu Attam, and others are
especially valued and protected.
The Government of India offers the Scheme for Scholarships to Young Artistes in
Different Cultural Fields, which includes Tholu Bommalattam of Tamil Nadu.

Mahatma Gandhi University offers core courses on the folk and ritual traditions of
Tamil Nadu.

The Centre for Cultural Resources and Training conducts a variety of training
programs for school teachers, teacher trainers, and educational administrators so
that students may know the importance of the culture of our country.

Modern students are interested in learning the art of Bommalattam and some of
them have even performed during their annual day functions. It is hoped that this art
will flourish again in the hands of the upcoming generation.