Tolu Bommalata Stamp: Ancient Leather Puppetry of Andhra Pradesh

 Tolu Bommalata Stamp: The Glorious Leather Puppetry Tradition of Andhra Pradesh

Tolu Bommalata, the traditional leather shadow puppetry of Andhra Pradesh, is one of India’s oldest surviving storytelling arts. The name comes from Telugu:
Tolu = leather
Bommalu = dolls/puppets
Ata = play or performance

This vibrant art form blends mythology, music, dance, and visual storytelling, creating a magical world of shadows that has entertained audiences for centuries.

History & Cultural Significance
Tolu Bommalata dates back to the Satavahana and Kakatiya periods, when temple arts flourished across South India. Puppeteers traveled from village to village, performing stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas.

These performances were not just entertainment — they were a form of education, cultural preservation, and community bonding. The puppeteers, known as Bhagavathulu, were respected storytellers who carried forward India’s oral traditions.

Craftsmanship & Technique
The puppets are made from translucent leather, traditionally goat or deer hide, treated and painted with natural dyes.

What makes Tolu Bommalata unique?

• The puppets are large, sometimes over 5 feet tall.
• They are jointed, allowing expressive movement.
• When lit from behind, they create colorful, glowing shadows on the screen.
• The performances are accompanied by live music, harmonium, cymbals, and narrations that bring epics to life.

India Post Stamp Tribute

To honor this ancient art, India Post issued a commemorative stamp on Tolu Bommalata as part of its cultural heritage series.The stamp beautifully showcases the intricate leather puppets, celebrating India’s traditional performing arts and the artisans who keep them alive.

Widely Searched Trivia Points
Tolu Bommalata originated in Andhra Pradesh.
It is one of India’s oldest shadow puppetry traditions.
Puppets are made from translucent leather.
The art flourished during the Kakatiya dynasty.
Stories are mainly from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Puppets can be 5–6 feet tall.
Natural dyes were traditionally used for coloring.
Performances were held during temple festivals.
Puppeteers are known as Bhagavathulu.
The puppets have multiple joints for expressive movement.
Light from oil lamps was used to create shadows.
The art is closely linked to Harikatha and Burrakatha traditions.
India Post issued a commemorative stamp honoring it.
UNESCO recognizes shadow puppetry as an intangible cultural heritage category.

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