Construction and Mechanism of Chadar Badar Set

The unique construction and mechanism of Chadar
Badar puppets makes it distinct from all other
conventional puppet systems such as rod puppets,
glove puppets or string puppets. One composite and
portable set contains the stage, characters and
props. One person manipulates it by simply tugging
(or pulling) and releasing one string. Chadar
Badar has a square fixed frame with canopy and
a circular platform on which two rows of puppets
are fixed facing each other. A hollow bamboo attached
at bottom serves as stand. A string runs through
this bamboo and ties all the puppets. When played, the
circular platform can rotate, and the head and hands
of the puppets move up and down. A player performs
the puppet show with a coordinated pull and push
of his hand and leg. According to the puppeteers, the
basic principle involved in its construction is that
of a Dhenki or husking paddle, (which uses a lever and
counterweight) and is very popular in Rural Bengal,
particularly among the Santals. Ravi Kant Dwivedi has
prepared detailed drawings to explain the mechanism
of a set belonging to Bhulu Murmu, one of the most
complex he has ever seen. The whole set rests
on a bamboo pole (Shirapp). The contraption does not
have legs and is held erect by the performer. The
main structure is divided into two parts, i.e., the base
and the revolving stage (Charkha).