Consider the following statements regarding the philosophical significance of puppetry in Indian culture:
1. In the Bhagavata, God is described as a puppeteer controlling the universe with the three strings Satta, Raja, and Tama.
2. In Indian theatre, the narrator is referred to as Sutradhar, meaning the "holder of strings," symbolizing control and guidance.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Question

Consider the following statements regarding the philosophical significance of puppetry in Indian culture:
1. In the Bhagavata, God is described as a puppeteer controlling the universe with the three strings Satta, Raja, and Tama.
2. In Indian theatre, the narrator is referred to as Sutradhar, meaning the "holder of strings," symbolizing control and guidance.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Statement 1 is correct: In Hindu philosophy, particularly in the Bhagavata Purana, the concept of Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas) represents the three fundamental qualities that govern the universe. God is often depicted as the supreme puppeteer controlling creation, sustenance, and destruction through these three qualities.

Statement 2 is correct: The term Sutradhar is derived from Sanskrit, where Sutra means "thread" and Dhara means "holder." In classical Indian theatre, particularly in Natya Shastra, the Sutradhar is the chief narrator or stage manager who guides the play, much like a puppeteer controlling strings in a puppet show.

Philosophical Significance of Puppetry

Puppetry in Indian Culture

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M Question 1	⏱ 0
Consider the following statements regarding the philosophical significance of puppetry in Indian culture: 1. In the Bhagavata, God is described as a puppeteer controlling the universe with the three strings Satta, Raja, and Tama. 2. In Indian theatre, the narrator is referred to as Sutradhar, meaning the "holder of strings," symbolizing control and guidance. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2