Chadar Badar
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R A R E F O R M O F I N D I G E N O U S S A N T H A L P U P P E T R Y
Chadar Badar or Chadar Bandhani is a very rare form of indigenous Santhal puppetry and a hallmark of Santhali culture. Puppetry has always been associated with folk culture and has played an important role in folk education. This dying art form was once prevalent among Santhal communities in Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and Assam. Today, a handful of Chadar Badar puppeteers are seen scattered across the Birbhum, Bardhaman, North Dinajpur, and Bankura districts of West Bengal, and the Dumka region of Jharkhand. The main reason the art form has become obscure is that only a very few members of the community have learned the basic art of making the puppets or have acquired the skills to bring them to life on makeshift stages. However, with the support of social activists and the government, some members of the community are making a valiant effort to preserve this art form and pass it on to future generations.
Making the puppets is the central aspect of Chadar Badar and requires technical skills. Created with intricate craftsmanship, the puppets are made of bamboo or wood and stand about 8 to 9 inches tall. Carving is done on light timber available in the area, and once the puppet takes shape, it is painted and clothed. The puppets have movable limbs with intricate lever-controlled mechanisms, which the puppeteer manipulates. For the performance, the puppets are placed on a small platform with a canopy or hung inside a wooden box, open on three or all four sides. The curtains of the makeshift stage are removed just before the performance so the audience cannot see the puppets beforehand. The string, lever, and sticks used to move the puppets are covered with a chadar or a wrap. When the puppeteer tugs the string, it turns the lever, which moves the sticks up and down, making the puppets’ limbs move. The puppeteer narrates stories from ancient Santhal culture in words and verse, and has the puppets provide the appropriate gestures to bring out the essence of the story.
A combination of traditional musical instruments, including the Baje Banam, Lagara, Tirenya (flute), and the Tunda (Madal), accompanies the performance. When the figures dance, the synchronisation is so perfect, that the puppets appear automated. Accompanied by music and singing, the puppets create an illusion of a rhythmic Santhali dance. The performance is a display of indigenous animation and simplicity, and an attempt by the community members to retain their own culture. The puppets are manipulated with the help of the twisted string on the puppeteer’s fingers.
Few members of the community continue the tradition of performing this form of puppet theatre during the Dasain festival, held around the time of Durga Puja. They take the puppets to neighbouring and distant villages, put on shows, and receive rice, pulses, and alms in gratitude for their efforts. The shows are also staged during Santhali festivals and other happy occasions, such as weddings. There are some district-wise differences in the presentation of Chador Bador. In Birbhum district, the stage is usually round, while in Dinajpur it is typically square.
The timing of a Chadar Badar show varies depending on audience interest. If the spectators wish to see more, the puppeteer can easily extend the performance. The puppeteers are emotionally attached to their puppets and treat them like their own children. All the puppets are given names – while Ram and Lakshman are common names for the male puppets, Khukumoni, Sonamoni, and Lakshmimoni are common names for the female puppets.
In Birbhum, the Chador Bador artistes are seen in the Gopal Nagar – Kamarpara and Nimdanga villages. EZCC conducted a workshop at its Srijani Shilpagram in Santiniketan, Birbhum district, to make the Chador Bador puppets. Like the puppets from the other parts of the country, these puppets can also be used for home décor and installations in public places.
Even a few years ago, the art was wholly lost, and very few younger Santhals even knew about it. However, the art is gradually being revived, and many young people are learning the art and are now performers.
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Puppetry, Santhal, Tribal Art, Santhali Culture, Puppets, Indian craftsmanship, Artisans, Villages, Chadar Badar, Khukumoni, Sonamoni, Lakshmimoni, Kamarpara Villages, Nimdanga villages, Puppeteer, Baje Banam, Lagara, Tirenya, Tunda, Madalchoose ich category
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