Question

Consider the following: Which of the statement/statements about Tholpavakoothu is/are correct?

1. Tholpavakoothu, or shadow puppetry, is a traditional temple art form prevalent in Bhagavathy temples, particularly in Palakkad district
2. The narrative for Tholpavakoothu performances is drawn from the Indian epic Ramayana.
3. Tholppava puppets are crafted from crocodile leather
4. Tholpavakoothu is typically staged on a special structure within the temple premises known as Koothumadam,

• A. i, ii, iv
• B. i, iii
• C. i, ii
• D. All

Answer 1

Answer:

A. i, ii, iv

 Tholpavakoothu 

• Tholpavakoothu, or shadow puppetry, is a traditional temple art form prevalent in Bhagavathy temples, particularly in Palakkad district and nearby regions in Kerala
• It is performed using leather puppets
• Tholppava, where "Thol" means leather and "Pava" means puppet.
• Tholppavas are crafted from the skin of deer, and the puppet forms are created by making small holes in the leather, which is then attached vertically to a bamboo stick.
• These puppets are manipulated with strings, and their shadows are projected on a screen using a row of oil lamps in the background.
• The narrative for Tholpavakoothu performances is drawn from the Indian epic Ramayana.
• The performance traditionally spans over forty-one days, and the storytelling uses a combination of prose and poetry called Adalpattu.
• Musical accompaniments for Tholpavakoothu include Ezhupara, Chenda, and Maddalam, enhancing the auditory experience of the performance.
• Artists involved in Tholpavakoothu undergo several years of rigorous training to master this intricate art form, demonstrating both skill and proficiency.
• Tholpavakoothu is typically staged on a special structure within the temple premises known as Koothumadam, providing a dedicated space for the puppetry performance.
• As a temple art form deeply rooted in cultural and religious traditions, Tholpavakoothu serves as a significant cultural heritage, preserving and showcasing stories from ancient Indian epics.