The Santhals, one of the oldest tribal communities in India, originally migrated from the Champa Kingdom of northern Cambodia around 3000 to 4000 years ago. Today, they are the third-largest tribal group in India, primarily residing in Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam, West Bengal, and Odisha. Deeply connected to their cultural roots, the Santhals have long relied on oral traditions to pass down stories that entertain, educate, and preserve their heritage. One of the most unique and captivating expressions of Santhal culture is the Chadar Badar puppet show. This traditional form of storytelling combines puppetry, oral narration, music, and dance to bring ancient tales to life. The name Chadar Badar, meaning “the play of shadow,” reflects the essence of this art form, where skilled puppeteers manipulate string puppets behind a curtain, casting their shadows onto a screen. These performances often depict mythological stories, Santhal folklore, and important traditional values.
The Art of Storytelling
Chadar Badar, a captivating form of portable string puppetry, combines artistry and storytelling through a unique set-up that includes a stand, stage, puppets, and various props. The structure features two rows of puppets facing each other: one row depicts tribal women, while the other showcases puppets playing traditional instruments like the dhol and madol. At the center, the Rashik puppet often takes the role of the protagonist. Puppeteer skillfully weaves the story using poetic language and songs. Music includes rhythmic beats of madol (drum) and jingling of kartal (cymbals). Dance is also an integral part of Chadar Badar, with dancers performing in a circular formation and skillfully mimicking the actions of the puppets. The narratives often explore profound themes of justice, morality, love, betrayal, and divine intervention, with characters that include gods, spirits, animals, and humans, each symbolizing different aspects of the human condition and the natural world.
Craftsmanship of Chadar Badar
The creation of Chadar Badar puppets is a skilled and intricate craft. Typically carved from light wood, such as bamboo, these puppets stand 8 to 9 inches tall. Artisans meticulously carve and paint the puppets, dressing them in traditional Santhal attire. The puppets are designed with movable limbs, controlled by complex lever systems that the puppeteer skillfully manipulates during performances.
The stage setup for Chadar Badar is equally intricate. The puppets are either placed on a small platform with a canopy or hung inside a wooden box open on three or four sides. To heighten the drama, the curtains are only removed just before the performance begins, keeping the puppets hidden from the audience until the last moment. The strings, levers, and sticks used to maneuver the puppets are concealed beneath a chadar (wrap), allowing the puppeteer to bring the puppets to life in a lifelike and captivating manner.
Themes for the Performances
Puppetry often adapts stories from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, with characters dressed as various deities. It also depicts local legends and folk tales that resonate with regional cultures. These stories are brought to life through a blend of dialogue, music, and dance. Some performances comment on social issues and norms, using satire and humor. Puppetry also highlights local festivals and rituals, such as harvests and religious events. The tales usually carry moral lessons and ethical values. Puppeteers use expressive voices and gestures to bring characters to life, while songs and dance play a vital role in enhancing the storytelling. The themes are deeply rooted in local culture, making the performances resonate with the audience and fostering a sense of cultural pride.
Chadar Badar in Festival
Chadar Badar truly comes to life during vibrant festivals such as Dasae (also known as Durga Puja), Sohrai, and Charok. These festive occasions transform the villages into bustling centers of celebration, where Chadar Badar performances become a central attraction. During Dasae, the traditional storytelling and puppet shows align with the festival’s themes of triumph and reverence, featuring narratives that reflect the grandeur of Durga Puja. In Sohrai and Charok, marking seasonal and cultural events, also brings local legends and folklore to the forefront, enriching the festival. These performances are not only a highlight of the celebrations but also a vibrant expression of cultural heritage, drawing communities together in a shared appreciation of their traditions and artistic expressions.
In conclusion,
The survival of Chadar Badar puppetry is a testament to the dedication of social activists and cultural exponents. Individuals like Ravi Kant Dwivedi have played a significant role in raising awareness and systematically documenting these stories. Meanwhile, artisans like Sukan Mardi and Daman Murmu have kept the tradition alive by crafting puppets and continuing the art of storytelling through puppetry. Various museums, including the National Puppet Museum in Kankurgachi, also contribute to preserving this unique cultural heritage.
To learn more about Indian art and artists, download the Rooftop app from theĀ App StoreĀ orĀ Google PlayĀ to stay updated on our upcoming art events and workshops. Stay tuned to rooftop blogs and follow us onĀ @rooftop_app.
By Shrushti Patel
