Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal is a folk art museum near Chetak Circle in Udaipur, founded in 1952 by Devilal Samar to preserve Rajasthan's folk arts. It holds puppets, masks, costumes and musical instruments, and runs a live kathputli (string puppet) show. Entry is a small fee, the show is extra, and a visit takes about 1.5 hours.
Key facts
- Founded in 1952 by folklorist Devilal Samar
- Known for its kathputli puppet collection and live shows
- Near Chetak Circle, in the city centre
Udaipur’s grand museums are about kings. Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal is about everyone else: the puppeteers, potters, dancers and mask-makers of Rajasthan’s villages.
A museum with a mission
Folklorist Devilal Samar founded the Mandal in 1952 to record and keep alive the folk arts of Rajasthan, at a time when many were disappearing. It has collected objects, trained performers and staged shows ever since, and it’s especially known for reviving and modernising the kathputli puppet tradition.
What you’ll see
- Puppets, the heart of the collection: string puppets of kings, dancers, snake charmers and horse riders, plus puppets from other parts of India and the world.
- Masks used in folk theatre and ritual.
- Costumes, turbans and jewellery from different communities.
- Musical instruments like the ravanhatha and kamaicha.
- Paintings, including phad scroll paintings that wandering storytellers once unrolled village to village.
The puppet show
The live kathputli show is the highlight. Puppeteers work the strings from above a small stage while a singer and drummer tell the story. It’s short, funny and loved by children. Read more about kathputli.
Visiting
- Entry: a small fee; the show ticket is extra.
- Time: about 1.5 hours with the show.
- Show timings: check at the counter on arrival.
- Where: near Chetak Circle, about 10 minutes by auto from the Old City.
Nearby
Poppy by Royal Repast, near Chetak Circle, is good for a Mewari lunch afterwards. For more folk performance, see the Dharohar show at Bagore Ki Haveli. A perfect stop for Udaipur with kids.
Frequently asked questions
What are the puppet show timings at Lok Kala Mandal?
Shows run at set times during the day and evening. Check the day's timings at the counter when you arrive or call ahead.
Is Lok Kala Mandal good for children?
Very. The puppet show is short, funny and visual, and the museum's puppets and masks are fascinating for kids.
How far is Lok Kala Mandal from the Old City?
About 3 km north, near Chetak Circle, around 10 minutes by auto.
