Kathputli is an ancient and one of the most popular performing arts of Rajasthan (India). Kaath means "wood" and Putli means "toy".

Socially, the puppet players caste is attached to other castes through the “jajmani system” - a system of patronage supported by kings and well-off families. The patrons would look after the Bhats (artists) and these, in return, would sing praises of the patrons’ ancestors.