Shadow puppets of South-East Asia

• Publisher: ADITYA PRAKASHAN Indological Publishers & Booksellers

• Language: English

• Edition: 2025

• Binding: Hardbound

• Subject(s): Indological Studies, Epics

• ISBN 13: 9788198236852

• ISBN 10: 8198236856

About the Book
This extensive collection showcases the shadow puppets of the Wayang from Indonesia, reproduced from the 36 fascicules of Serat Padalanan Ringit Purva published a century ago. These original works were presented to Professor RaghuVira by President Soekarno of Indonesia in 1951. Wayang is a visual and theatrical form that beautifully depicts episodes from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and other Javanese compositions, creating an entrancing ambience in the royal courts of Java. According to a Javanese legend, the gods once cast their shadows on a white screen, giving birth to Wayang. This book highlights the shadow puppets used in the portrayal of epic tales, including Bharatayuddha, Arjuna-wiwaha, and Panji romances, as well as Indonesian historical legends such as Damarwulan, Gajah Mada, Dipanagara, and Kartini.

With a long introduction covering the history, philosophy, sacred rites, themes, and aesthetics of shadow theatre, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of the art form's evolution over the last thousand years. The text also features a comparative study between the shadow puppets of Andhra and Orissa with Indonesian Wayang, highlighting significant aspects of the performing arts. The book presents a jewel-like presentation of this ancient theatrical idiom, cultivated by unlettered minds over centuries, blending cultural sophistication with the vibrancy of traditional performance.