Mudras in Natya Shastra-Part 5

Mudras are symbolic hand gestures that form a powerful, silent language in classical Indian dance. Imagine watching a performance where the dancer tells an entire story without uttering a single word — it is through these intricate mudras that emotions, ideas, and narratives come alive on stage.

In Indian classical dance and drama, mudras are much more than elegant hand movements. They are a sophisticated system of signs and symbols that express emotions, actions, objects, and ideas. Rooted in the ancient Natya Shastra, written by Sage Bharata Muni over 2000 years ago, mudras form the foundation of storytelling in Indian performing arts.

What Are Mudras?

The word “mudra” means “seal” or “gesture” in Sanskrit. Mudras are specific positions and movements of the fingers and hands used to communicate meaning without words. Like a language, each mudra conveys particular ideas or emotions, allowing artists to narrate complex stories visually.

Sage Bharata’s Natya Shastra systematically describes 67 mudras divided into three categories:

• Asamyukta Hastas (24 single-hand mudras)
• Samyukta Hastas (13 double-hand mudras)
• Dance-hands (30 nṛtta-hasta mudras)

Gestures of single hands (asaṃyuta-hasta) are twenty-four in number: Patāka, Tripatāka, Kartarīmukha, Ardhacandra, Arāla, Śukatuṇḍa, Muṣṭi, Śikhara, Kapittha, Kaṭakāmukha, Sūcyāsya (Sūcīmukha), Padmakośa, Sarpaśiras, Mṛgaśīrṣa, Kāṅgula, Alapadma (Alapallava), Catura, Bhramara, Haṃsāsya, Haṃsapakṣa, Sandaṃśa, Mukulā, Ūrṇanābha and Tāmracūḍa.

Asamyukta Hastas (Single-hand Mudras) — Natya Shastra

No.	Mudra Name	Description / Representation
1	Patāka	Flat hand with fingers extended and together; used to depict clouds, forest, denial, blessings.
2	Tripatāka	Ring finger bent; used to show a crown, tree, arrow, or flames.
3	Kartarīmukha	Index and middle fingers extended and spread apart; represents separation, lightning, scissors.
4	Ardhacandra	Thumb stretched outward with fingers together; signifies the moon, a platter, or greeting.
5	Arāla	Index finger bent, others extended; used for drinking nectar or poison.
6	Śukatuṇḍa	Ring finger bent, thumb supports it; depicts a beak, parrot, or a shooting arrow.
7	Muṣṭi	A closed fist; symbolizes strength, holding, or anger.
8	Śikhara	Thumb raised over closed fist; represents a bow, pillar, or lifting.
9	Kapittha	Thumb over the bent index finger (other fingers in fist); used in Lakshmi or Saraswati poses.
10	Kaṭakāmukha	Index and middle fingers touching thumb; used in rituals, holding garlands, or ornaments.
11	Sūcyāsya / Sūcīmukha	Index finger pointed (others closed); denotes a needle, pointing, or precision.
12	Padmakośa	Fingers rounded like a lotus bud; represents fruits, flowers, or a full-blown lotus.
13	Sarpaśiras	All fingers slightly bent, like a snake’s head; symbolizes serpents or flowing water.
14	Mṛgaśīrṣa	Ring and little fingers extended, others bent; signifies deer, beauty, or flute-playing.
15	Kāṅgula	Little finger extended, others bent; used to show bells, earrings, or delicate movement.
16	Alapadma (Alapallava)	Fingers spread outward, palm open; depicts a blossoming lotus or beauty.
17	Catura	Thumb, index, and middle fingers bent; symbolizes cleverness, small animals, or eye movement.
18	Bhramara	Thumb and middle finger touch (others raised); used to show a bee or buzzing.
19	Haṃsāsya	Thumb and index fingers meet delicately; used to show tying thread, painting, or elegance.
20	Haṃsapakṣa	All fingers spread slightly apart; represents a swan’s wing or fan.
21	Sandaṃśa	Fingers opened and brought together rapidly; denotes plucking, cutting, or grasping.
22	Mukulā	All fingers brought together to form a bud; used for a flower bud or offering.
23	Ūrṇanābha	Middle finger circled by thumb and index; symbolizes a spider or spinning.
24	Tāmracūḍa	Ring finger slightly bent, others extended; used to show a rooster or bird.

Key Corrections and Clarifications:

• Some names like Ūrṇanābha and Tāmracūḍa are not part of the standard 24 Asamyukta Hastas listed in the Natya Shastra or Abhinaya Darpana.
• Commonly taught hand gestures follow the classical list refined by Nandikeshvara’s Abhinaya Darpana, which is widely referenced in modern classical dance practice.
• Added Candrakalā and Siṃhamukha, which are traditionally included in expanded versions.

No.	Mudra Name	Description / Usage
1	Patāka	All fingers extended and held close together; used to represent clouds, forest, or denial.
2	Tripatāka	Ring finger bent; used for a crown, tree, or flames.
3	Kartarīmukha	Index and middle fingers separated; used to show lightning, separation, or scissors.
4	Ardhapatāka	Little finger bent in Tripataka; symbolizes a flag, board, or riverbank.
5	Mayūra	Ring finger touches the thumb; used to show a peacock, creeper, or applying tilak.
6	Ardhacandra	Thumb extended like a crescent moon; used to show the moon, offering, or blessing.
7	Araḷa	Index finger bent; used for drinking poison or nectar.
8	Śukatunda	Ring finger bent with thumb; shows a parrot’s beak, shooting an arrow.
9	Muṣṭi	A closed fist; denotes strength, grasping, or anger.
10	Śikhara	Thumb raised over a closed fist; represents a bow, pillar, or husband.
11	Kapittha	Thumb touches the index finger’s base; used in Lakshmi, Saraswati, or holding objects.
12	Kaṭakāmukha	Index and middle fingers touch the thumb; used to show garlands, ornaments, or rituals.
13	Suci	Only index finger extended; shows a needle, number one, or pointing.
14	Candrakalā	Thumb and index finger in a crescent shape; symbolizes the moon or a crescent ornament.
15	Padmakośa	Fingers rounded and spread like a lotus bud; used for fruits, flowers, or a ball.
16	Sarpasirṣa	All fingers curved loosely forward; shows a snake’s head or pouring liquids.
17	Mṛgaśīrṣa	Ring and little fingers extended; used to show a deer, calling, or flute-playing.
18	Siṃhamukha	Ring and middle fingers touch thumb; symbolizes a lion’s face, herbs, or garlands.
19	Kangula	Little finger extended, others bent; shows a bell or earrings.
20	Alapadma	Fingers spread wide like a full-blown lotus; used for beauty, radiance, or a lotus.
21	Catura	Thumb and fingers arranged intricately; shows cleverness, a small animal, or speech.
22	Bhramara	Thumb and middle finger joined, others bent; represents a bee or buzzing.
23	Haṃsāsya	Thumb and index finger lightly joined; used to show tying, painting, or delicate acts.
24	Mukula	All fingers joined together at the tips; shows a bud, offering, or eating.

Gestures of combined hands (saṃyuta-hasta) are thirteen in number: Añjali, Kapota, Karkaṭa, Svastika, Kaṭakāvardhamānaka, Utsaṅga, Niṣadha, Dola, Puṣpapuṭa, Makara, Gajadanta, Avahittha and Vardhamāna.

Gestures of combined hands (saṃyuta-hasta) – Natya Shastra

No.	Mudra Name	Description / Usage
1	Añjali	Both palms joined together, fingers aligned and pointing upward. Used for greeting, salutation, or offering prayers.
2	Kapota	Like Añjali, but with a small hollow space between the palms. Represents humility, respect, or submission.
3	Karkaṭa	Fingers interlocked with palms facing outward. Used to show stretching, pulling, or crowds.
4	Svastika	Both hands crossed at the wrists, palms open. Symbolizes a cross, restraint, or sacred symbol.
5	Kaṭakāvardhamānaka	Hands in Kaṭakamukha position, one above the other. Used to show coronation, marriage, or garlanding.
6	Utsaṅga	Hands crossed and placed on opposite shoulders. Represents embracing, affection, or teaching.
7	Niṣadha	Both hands placed gently on the thighs or lap. Used in seated posture or to depict modesty/rest.
8	Dola	Arms straight down, palms facing inward or back. Used in the starting position or as a neutral gesture.
9	Puṣpapuṭa	Both hands cupped together like a bowl. Represents offering flowers, worship, or holding water.
10	Makara	Hands crossed at the wrists, with fingers spread like a crocodile’s jaw. Used to depict the sea creature Makara.
11	Gajadanta	Fingers shaped like tusks, both hands near the head. Represents the tusks of an elephant.
12	Avahittha	Both hands held gracefully near the waist or below the chest. Used in shyness, feminine grace, or modesty.
13	Vardhamāna	Hands joined and moved in a spiral or outward motion. Used to show growth, increase, or expansion.

• Out of the 13 mudras, 9 are accurate and used in modern classical dance.
• 4 (Niṣadha, Gajadanta, Vardhamāna, Makara) are either not part of classical hasta lists or only appear in rare/interpretive contexts.

Dance-hands (nṛtta-hasta) are Caturasra, Udvṛtta, Talamukha, Svastika, Viprakīrṇa, Arālakhaṭakāmukha, Āviddhavakra, Sūcyāsya, Recita, Ardharecita, Uttānavañcita, Pallava, Nitamba, Keśabandha, Latā, Karihasta, Pakṣavañcitaka, Pakṣapradyotaka, Garuḍapakṣa, Daṇḍapakṣa, Ūrdhvamaṇḍalī, Pārśvamaṇḍalī, Uromaṇḍalī, Uraḥpārśvārdhamaṇḍalī, Muṣṭikasvastika, Nalinīpadmakośa, Alapallava, Ulbaṇa, Lalita and Valita.

Together, these mudras form the core vocabulary for classical Indian dance and drama.

Why Are Mudras Important?

Mudras are the visual vocabulary that, combined with facial expressions (abhinaya), body movements, and rhythm, create a rich tapestry of storytelling. They enable performers to:

• Depict objects like flowers, animals, weapons, and natural elements
• Express actions such as drinking, walking, or fighting
• Portray emotions like love, anger, fear, and compassion
• Represent characters — gods, demons, humans, animals — and their traits

Without mudras, dancers would struggle to communicate detailed narratives, especially since many classical dance forms avoid spoken dialogue.

How Mudras Work in Performance

A dancer or actor uses these mudras in combination with facial expressions, eye movements, and body postures to convey the “rasa” (emotions) and narrate stories vividly. For example:

• To show a lover offering a flower, a dancer might use Katakamukha mudra to pluck the flower and Alapadma to present its beauty.
• During a battle scene, Mushti mudra shows a clenched fist ready to fight, while Simhamukha depicts the fierceness of a lion.
• A spiritual scene may use Anjali mudra to express devotion or prayer.

These gestures become a language beyond words, allowing the audience to connect deeply with the performance.

Mudras Beyond Dance: Spiritual and Cultural Significance

Mudras are not just artistic tools; they also hold spiritual meaning in Hinduism and Buddhism. They are used in meditation, rituals, and iconography to channel energy and symbolize divine qualities.

For example, the Anjali mudra is a universal sign of respect and greeting, while the Abhaya mudra (palm outward) signifies protection and fearlessness.

Influence on Modern Arts

Mudras continue to inspire modern Indian cinema and theater, where actors often incorporate these gestures to convey cultural nuances and emotions effectively.

Different Classical Dance Forms Use Mudras

1. Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu)

Style of Mudra Usage:

Highly codified with a strong emphasis on both single-hand (Asamyukta) and double-hand (Samyukta) mudras to narrate detailed mythological stories.

Characteristics:

• Precise and angular finger and wrist movements.
• Clear, easily identifiable gestures.
• Combined with expressive facial expressions (abhinaya) and rhythmic footwork (tala).

Examples:

• Alapadma mudra (lotus) to symbolize the blooming lotus of Vrindavan.
• Pataka mudra (flag) to indicate blessings or stopping.

2. Kathak (North India)

Style of Mudra Usage:

Fluid and graceful, with mudras often flowing seamlessly into the dancer’s spins and footwork.

Characteristics:

• Soft, sweeping hand movements paired with expressive eye gestures.
• Less rigid than Bharatanatyam, emphasizing naturalness.
• Focus on romantic and devotional themes.

Examples:

• Pataka mudra used in storytelling to indicate “stop” or “wind.”
• Tripataka to represent a crown or a tree.

3. Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh)

Style of Mudra Usage:

Expressive and dramatic, blending dance and theater with quick transitions between mudras.

Characteristics:

• Naturalistic and theatrical use of gestures.
• Emphasis on storytelling through dialogue-like sequences.
• Mudras depict everyday actions and mythological symbolism.

Examples:

• Katakamukha mudra (holding a garland) used dynamically during dance dramas.
• Pataka mudra to show blessings or stopping action.

4. Manipuri (Manipur)

Style of Mudra Usage:

Soft, rounded, and lyrical hand movements matching the gentle, flowing dance style.

Characteristics:

• Mudras are subtle and delicate.
• Movements reflect devotional and romantic moods.
• Smooth integration of hand gestures with body and facial expressions.

Examples:

• Alapadma mudra to symbolize the lotus flower.
• Mayura mudra depicting the peacock’s beauty.

5. Mohiniyattam (Kerala)

Style of Mudra Usage:

Elegant and feminine, mudras complement the slow, swaying movements of the dance.

Characteristics:

• Delicate, understated gestures.
• Emphasis on smoothness and grace.
• Mudras enhance the dance’s sensuous and emotive qualities.

Examples:

• Mayura mudra to represent the peacock.
• Pataka mudra to signify blessings or natural elements.

6. Sattriya (Assam)

Style of Mudra Usage:

Devotional and ritualistic, emphasizing clear symbolic meanings.

Characteristics:

• Mudras are precise and formal.
• Combined with religious storytelling.
• Often used to depict episodes from Krishna’s life.

Examples:

• Anjali mudra to show respect and prayer.
• Pataka mudra representing clouds or nature.

7. Kathakali (Kerala)

Style of Mudra Usage:

Highly dramatic and exaggerated to convey stories without spoken words.

Characteristics:

• Large, bold gestures for visibility on stage.
• Mudras combined tightly with expressive facial rasas.
• Entire narrative carried through mudras, expressions, and body language.

Examples:

• Pataka mudra used to indicate clouds, commands, or blessings.
• Mushti (fist) mudra expressing strength, anger, or battle readiness.
• Katakamukha mudra to hold flowers or weapons in dramatic sequences.

You’re right! Let me add Odissi to complete the list, following the same format:

8. Odissi (Odisha)

Style of Mudra Usage:

Graceful, lyrical, and fluid hand gestures integrated seamlessly with the dance’s sculptural poses.

Characteristics:

• Smooth, flowing mudras that complement Odissi’s characteristic tribhangi (three-bend) posture.
• Emphasis on delicate wrist movements and subtle finger positioning.
• Mudras enhance the devotional and romantic themes central to Odissi.

Examples:

• Pataka mudra to represent blessings, rivers, or clouds.
• Tripataka mudra used to symbolize a crown or tree.
• Alapadma mudra portraying a blossoming lotus.

9. Gaudiya Nritya (Bengal)

Style of Mudra Usage:

A revivalist classical dance form deeply rooted in devotional themes centered around Lord Krishna and Radha, using mudras to narrate stories from Vaishnavism.

Characteristics:

• Mudras are expressive yet subtle, focusing on devotional mood (bhakti).
• Incorporates a blend of folk and classical mudra vocabulary.
• Emphasis on storytelling through hand gestures paired with graceful body movements and facial expressions.

Examples:

• Anjali mudra for greeting and reverence.
• Pataka mudra symbolizing stopping, clouds, or rivers.
• Tripataka mudra to depict a crown or a tree, often used in narratives involving Krishna’s divine play.

Final Thoughts

Mudras are the silent poetry of the hands — a unique and timeless language that connects the physical body with the spiritual and emotional world. Through these 67 distinct gestures described in the Natya Shastra, Indian classical arts have preserved a rich tradition of storytelling that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Next time you watch a classical dance or drama, observe the hands carefully — they are speaking a story all their own.