Maguni Charan Kuanr | |
|---|---|
 Kuanr in 2015 | |
| Born | (1937-02-12)12 February 1937 |
| Died | 1 June 2024(2024-06-01) (aged 87) |
| Occupation | Puppeteer |
| Known for | Promotingrod puppetry (Kandhei Nach) |
| Awards | Padma Shri (2023) Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2004) |
Maguni Charan Kuanr (12 February 1937 – 1 June 2024) was an Indianpuppeteer known for promotingrod puppetry, traditionally known asKandhei Nach in the state ofOdisha.
In 2023, Kuanr was conferred thePadma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian honour by theGovernment of India for promoting and propagating the traditional rod-puppet dance form of Odisha.[1] Earlier in 2004, he had been conferred with theSangeet Natak Akademi Award.[2][3]
Born on 2 February 1937 inKeonjhar, Odisha, Shri Maguni Charan Kuanr came from a family of traditional puppeteers. He was introduced to the art ofKandhei Nach, which uses rod puppets, by his father, Shri Baishnab Charan Kuanr.[2]
Kuanr contributed significantly to recognisingKandhei Nach beyond Odisha. He established his troupe, the "Utkal Vishwakarma Kalakunja Kandhei Nach", based in Keonjhar. Shri Kuanr participated in camps and workshops organized by the OdishaSangeet Natak Akademi and other institutions to promote his art. His work has been documented by various agencies in India and abroad.[2]
Like many traditional puppeteers, he created his puppets, designed the costumes, and narrated the plays performed.[2] Kuanr's characters and stories ranged from mythology to government schemes to social issues.[4]
Kuanr died in Keonjhar, Odisha, on 1 June 2024, at the age of 87.[5]