Tholpavakoothu: The Interplay of Ramayana Tradition and Contesting Brahminical Hegemony

Abstract

Tholpavakoothu, Kerala's ancient shadow puppetry, is a vibrant ritual art form deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual milieu of the region. Performed primarily in temples dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, it narrates the epic Ramayana through intricately crafted leather puppets, illuminated by oil lamps to cast evocative shadows. Beyond its aesthetic and performative brilliance, Tholpavakoothu serves as a fascinating lens to examine the interplay between the Ramayana tradition and the contestation of Brahminical culture in Kerala. This article, explores how Tholpavakoothu reflects the Ramayana's influence while simultaneously challenging and reshaping Brahminical hegemony through its ritual context, narrative adaptations, and socio-cultural dynamics.