Which of the following statements is/are incorrect about Tholu Bommalata?

1. It is a shadow puppet from Karnataka which has a rich and strong tradition.

2. The theme of the puppet plays is drawn from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas.

3. The screen for the shadow puppet show is a bamboo box-like stage erected in the open air.

The correct answer is 1 only.

Key Points

• It is a shadow puppet from Andhra Pradesh which has a rich and strong tradition. Hence, Statement 1 is incorrect.
• The puppets are large in size to cast a shadow.
• They have a jointed waist, shoulders, elbows, and knees.
• They are colored on both sides and throw colored shadows on the screen.
•  The classical music of the region is used.
• The theme of the puppet plays is drawn from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
• The skin of wild animals (Goats) is used to make the puppet.
  • The skin is treated with herbs and oils and then beaten till it becomes translucent.
  • The different parts of the puppetís body are separately cut out of this skin.
• Gods and heroes are made the largest in size, because of their importance. 
• The angle of the head has significance: a downward glance suggests modesty, a high chin indicates arrogance.
• Colors too have meaning: giant bullies and their kind have red faces, while white stands for a fiery nature.
• The pieces are then joined together with a thick knotted string, which facilitates easy movement.
• A split-bamboo or palm leaf stem is used for the main central support of the puppet.
• The legs are loosely attached from below the knees, and the manipulator can jerk the puppet to produce the swaying movement of the legs.
• The screen for the shadow puppet show is a bamboo box-like stage erected in the open air. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
• In the rural areas, very often, oil lamps made of split coconut shells are used for lighting.
• The flickering light keeps the puppets in constant movement, and lends an air of magic to the show.