Tholpavakoothu Sangam: Preserving Kerala's Ancient Shadow Puppetry
September 26, 2025 14:08:35 IST MTG editorial
India's theatre traditions are as diverse as its culture, and among its oldest storytelling legacies is Tholpavakoothu, a 2,000-year-old shadow puppetry art form from Kerala. Once performed as a ritual in over 100 temples, this intricate play using leather puppets was deeply rooted in spiritual and cultural practices.
Since 1992, Tholpavakoothu Sangam, led by director K. Viswanatha Pulavar, has been at the forefront of safeguarding and reviving this remarkable heritage. What began as temple rituals has now found new life on stages across the world, reaching audiences who may never have experienced Kerala's traditional folk arts.
The productions offered today are carefully adapted into 30-minute to one-hour episodes, ensuring they remain accessible to contemporary audiences while staying true to the form's essence. These performances combine music, dialogue, and striking visuals, showcasing how Tholpavakoothu stands as an early precursor to modern cinema.
Beyond performances, Tholpavakoothu Sangam is dedicated to the promotion and preservation of this ancient art. Through workshops, seminars, and exhibitions, the institution trains young artists and spreads awareness about the significance of this tradition. Their efforts have taken Tholpavakoothu beyond Kerala, with international showcases at global art fairs, festivals, and cultural events-proving the universal appeal of this storytelling medium.
Despite being condensed, the performances retain the spiritual depth, cultural richness, and artistic beauty of the original temple rituals. Each show offers audiences a rare glimpse into India's timeless oral and visual storytelling traditions.
As K. Viswanatha Pulavar emphasizes, continued support and opportunities for performance are essential to ensure this art form not only survives but thrives in the modern world. By offering platforms for Tholpavakoothu, we can collectively contribute to preserving a jewel of Indian theatre heritage.
