Tamil Nadu puppeteer B. Muthuchandra Rao has been invited to perform at the Fetna (Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America) 36th Convention in Sacramento, California, in recognition of his work. In this article, we will shed more light on the puppetry art form of Thol Pavai Koothu of Tamil Nadu and its relevance. This topic is important for the IAS exam art and culture segment.
Thol Pavai Koothu Puppetry
Thol Pavai Koothu is a type of puppetry that is unique to the Kanniyakumari district of Tamil Nadu.
Image source: http://tholpavakoothu.in/
- The puppets are made from wood and cloth, and they are manipulated by strings.Â
- The performances typically tell stories from Hindu mythology or from the lives of ordinary people.
- Puppetry is a traditional folk art that is facing extinction in the age of smartphones and social media.Â
- However, there are still a few dedicated artists who are working to keep the art alive.Â
- One such artist is B. Muthuchandra Rao, a puppeteer from Kanniyakumari district in Tamil Nadu.Â
About Artist Muthuchandra Rao
- Muthuchandra Rao is a master of Thol Pavai Koothu.Â
- He has been performing the art for over 30 years, and he is one of the few remaining artists who can still perform the traditional style.Â
- Rao is also a recipient of the Kalaimamani Award, which is the highest award given by the Tamil Nadu government for excellence in the arts.
Performance in the U.S:
- Rao will be performing at the Fetna 36th Convention in Sacramento, California, from June 30 to July 2.Â
- The convention is a gathering of Tamil Americans from all over the world, and it is a great opportunity for Rao to share his art with a wider audience.
Conclusion:
- Muthuchandra Rao is an inspiration to all those who are working to keep traditional folk arts alive.Â
- His performance in the U.S. is a testament to the power of art to transcend borders and cultures.
Thol Pavai Koothu [UPSC Notes]:- Download PDF Here
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