Thol Pavai Koothu [UPSC Notes] - Tamil Nadu Puppetry Art

Unraveling Thol Pavai Koothu Puppetry

Thol Pavai Koothu is a unique and captivating form of puppetry that originated and flourished in the Kanniyakumari district of Tamil Nadu.

Image source: http://tholpavakoothu.in/

• The puppets are skillfully crafted from wood and cloth, and are brought to life through the manipulation of strings.
• The performances are deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, often narrating tales from epics or depicting the lifestyles of common folk.
• Despite being a rich and traditional folk art, puppetry is struggling to survive in the contemporary era of smartphones and social media.
• A handful of dedicated artists are making relentless efforts to preserve and promote this dying art form.
• B. Muthuchandra Rao, hailing from Kanniyakumari district in Tamil Nadu, is a stalwart among such artists.

Wrapping Up:

• Muthuchandra Rao stands as a beacon of inspiration for all those striving to keep traditional folk arts alive.
• His upcoming performance in the U.S. underscores the power of art to transcend geographical boundaries and cultural differences.