Consider the following statements regarding Pavakoothu, the traditional puppet theatre of Kerala:
1. Pavakoothu is a traditional glove puppet performance that originated during the Sangam age.
2. The puppets used in Pavakoothu are heavily influenced by the Kathakali dance form, as seen in their colorful headgears, feathers, and face paints.
3. The themes of Pavakoothu performances are primarily based on narrations from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Question

Consider the following statements regarding Pavakoothu, the traditional puppet theatre of Kerala:
1. Pavakoothu is a traditional glove puppet performance that originated during the Sangam age.
2. The puppets used in Pavakoothu are heavily influenced by the Kathakali dance form, as seen in their colorful headgears, feathers, and face paints.
3. The themes of Pavakoothu performances are primarily based on narrations from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Statement 1 is not correct: Pavakoothu originated in the 18th century A.D., not during the Sangam age (which lasted from around 300 BCE to 300 CE).

Statement 2 is correct: Pavakoothu puppets display elaborate facial makeup, colorful costumes, and headgear, similar to Kathakali, a classical dance-drama tradition of Kerala.

Statement 3 is correct: The influence of Kathakali is seen in the way characters are depicted in puppet performances. Pavakoothu performances are mainly based on Hindu epics, especially the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Episodes from these epics are commonly narrated, with Ramayana stories being particularly popular.

Min. Time: 2 S Max Time: 2 S
E Question 1	⏱ 0
Consider the following statements regarding Pavakoothu, the traditional puppet theatre of Kerala: 1. Pavakoothu is a traditional glove puppet performance that originated during the Sangam age. 2. The puppets used in Pavakoothu are heavily influenced by the Kathakali dance form, as seen in their colorful headgears, feathers, and face paints. 3. The themes of Pavakoothu performances are primarily based on narrations from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None

Website Link

Test Your Knowledge

Student Resources