Author: Gayatri Deka
I often tell my new students that their hands must learn to speak before their feet can truly dance. In the world of Bharatanatyam, this is not a metaphor; it is a fundamental truth. The intricate and eloquent language of mudras, or symbolic hand gestures, is the very soul of our storytelling. It is the silent poetry that gives life to our movements, transforming a physical performance into a profound emotional and spiritual experience.
As a performer and a guru at my Bharatanatyam school in Dwarka, Delhi, I have spent more than two decades immersed in this sacred language. It’s a journey that begins with learning the alphabet and blossoms into the ability to narrate entire epics with nothing more than the hands. Forget the notion that mudras are merely decorative. They are the grammar of our art, a direct lineage to the ancient Natyashastra, and the key that unlocks a universe of expression. Join me as we explore this mesmerising world, one gesture at a time.
The Essence of a Mudra: More Than Just a Hand Gesture:
The word mudra comes from Sanskrit and can be translated as a “seal,” “mark,” or “gesture.” I love the idea of a “seal” because that is precisely what a mudra does: it seals a specific idea, emotion, or energy into a physical form. It is a non-verbal language that communicates complex concepts with breathtaking clarity.
In Bharatanatyam, this language is meticulously codified. The foundational text for all Indian classical arts, Bharata Muni’s Natyashastra, outlines a vast vocabulary of hand gestures. We classify them into two primary categories, which form the grammatical foundation of our art:
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Asamyukta Hastas: These are single-hand gestures, the individual letters and words of our language.
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Samyukta Hastas: These are double-hand gestures, where both hands come together to form more complex “sentences” or ideas.
Mastering these is the first step for any aspiring Bharatanatyam dancer.
Learning the Alphabet: An In-Depth Look at Key Asamyukta Hastas:
To truly appreciate the depth of this art, let’s move beyond lists and delve into the personality of a few fundamental single-hand gestures.
Pataka (The Flag): The Gesture of Command and Creation:
Pataka is formed by holding the hand straight and firm, with the thumb bent slightly to touch the base of the fingers. It is one of the most versatile mudras we have. In my experience, its application (viniyoga) is a perfect lesson in context. Held up firmly, it can depict a king giving a command, the act of slapping, or a tall palm tree. When the wrist is moved with a gentle ripple, this same gesture can represent a flowing river, waves in the ocean, or billowing smoke. It is a gesture of authority and expanse, a true cornerstone of our vocabulary.
Kartarimukha (Arrow-Shaft or Scissors): The Nuance of Separation and Detail:
This mudra is formed by extending the index and middle fingers, like a pair of scissors, while the thumb holds down the other two. Kartarimukha is a gesture of incredible subtlety. I teach my students to use it to depict the separation of lovers, a creeping vine, or lightning striking across the sky. But its true beauty lies in the details it can paint. With a slight turn of the wrist, it becomes the corner of an eye, expressing longing or sorrow. It is a perfect example of how a simple shape can convey complex and delicate emotions.
Hamsasya (Swan-Beak): The Symbol of Purity and Finesse:
Formed by joining the tips of the index finger and thumb, Hamsasya literally means “swan-beak.” It is a gesture of supreme grace and delicacy. We use it to depict a swan gliding on water, the tying of a sacred thread (mangalsutra), the gentle act of lighting a lamp, or holding a garland of flowers. Symbolically, it is connected to learning and purity, often associated with the goddess Saraswati. Mastering Hamsasya is mastering finesse.
The Power of Unity: Exploring Key Samyukta Hastas:
When both hands join, the expressive potential multiplies, creating gestures of profound symbolism and power.
Anjali (Offering): The Universal Gesture of Reverence:
This is perhaps the most universally recognised mudra, formed by pressing both palms together. However, its meaning in Bharatanatyam is layered. Held above the head, it is an offering to the gods. Held in front of the face, it is a greeting to the guru. Held at the chest, it is a sign of respect to the audience and fellow artists. The Anjali mudra is the embodiment of humility and devotion, the first and last gesture of any performance.
Shankha (Conch): The Call of the Divine:
This intricate mudra is formed by wrapping the fingers of one hand around the thumb of the other, creating the shape of a conch shell. Its connection is immediately divine, representing the sacred shankha of Lord Vishnu. When a dancer forms this mudra, they are not just making a shape; they are invoking the cosmic sound that awakens consciousness. It is a powerful, sacred gesture that instantly transports the audience into a mythological realm.
From Grammar to Poetry: Mudras in the Art of Abhinaya:
A mudra in isolation is just a word. It is when woven into the fabric of Abhinaya (the art of expression) that it becomes poetry. The true artistry lies in how a gesture’s meaning is transformed by its placement, movement, and, most importantly, the dancer’s facial expression (mukhabhinaya).
Let me give you an example I often use in my Bharatanatyam classes. Take the Shikhara mudra (the peak), formed by raising the thumb while the other fingers are closed.
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Held aloft with a serene expression, it becomes the mighty, snow-capped peak of Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva.
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Brought to the lips with a playful glance, it represents a lover taking a sip of wine.
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Combined with a fierce expression and a strong stance, it becomes the divine bow of Lord Rama, ready to vanquish evil.
The mudra is the noun; the abhinaya is the verb, the adjective, the emotion that gives it life. This synergy is the hallmark of a master storyteller.
Beyond the Stage: Mudras as a Practice for Life:
The discipline of holding mudras with precision and awareness extends far beyond the dance floor. Many of these hand gestures are shared with the practices of yoga and meditation, recognised for their ability to focus the mind and channel energy. Holding a mudra requires immense concentration, creating a connection between the mind and body that can be incredibly calming.
For us as dancers, this is not a separate practice. The discipline we cultivate on stage-the focus, the breath control, the mindful placement of every finger-naturally flows into our daily lives, bringing with it a sense of balance, calm, and inner focus.
The Eloquent Companions of a Dancer
The language of mudras in Bharatanatyam is a profound testament to the connection between movement, emotion, and storytelling. It is a sacred art that I have the honour of practising and passing on to a new generation of Bharatanatyam artists. As we delve into this mesmerising world, we discover that every flick of the wrist is a word, and every curl of the fingers is a brushstroke in the grand dance of life. It is a silent language that speaks volumes, transcending boundaries and resonating with the universal soul of human emotion.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Language of Mudras
1. What is the true meaning of a ‘mudra’ in Bharatanatyam?
A mudra is far more than just a hand gesture. The word comes from Sanskrit and means “seal” or “mark.” I teach my students to think of it as sealing a specific idea, emotion, or even a divine energy into a physical form. It is a sophisticated, non-verbal language that allows a dancer to communicate everything from a flowing river to the most profound spiritual concepts.
2. What is the difference between Asamyukta and Samyukta Hastas?
Think of it as learning the grammar of a language. Asamyukta Hastas are single-hand gestures, which act like the individual letters and words of our vocabulary. Samyukta Hastas are double-hand gestures, where both hands join together to form more complex ideas, much like forming a complete sentence. A dancer must be fluent in both to tell a compelling story.
3. Can a single mudra have multiple meanings?
Yes, absolutely. A mudra’s meaning is defined by its application, or viniyoga—its placement, movement, and the dancer’s expression. For example, the Pataka (flat palm) mudra can signify a command to stop, a forest, the banks of a river, or even the act of slapping, all depending on the context of the choreography and the emotion behind it.
4. How do mudras convey emotion if they are just hand shapes?
The mudras are the words, but it is the Abhinaya (the art of expression) that gives them emotional power. A hand shape becomes a living emotion only when combined with the dancer’s facial expressions (mukhabhinaya) and body language. The same Shikhara mudra can represent a mountain peak with a serene face or a bow and arrow with a fierce one. The synergy between the mudra and the dancer’s inner feeling is what truly communicates the story.
5. How many mudras are there to learn in Bharatanatyam?
The classical texts codify a specific number of foundational gestures—typically 28 Asamyukta Hastas and 24 Samyukta Hastas. However, this is just the alphabet. The true vocabulary is almost limitless, as the application and combination of these mudras can be used to describe nearly anything in the universe, from the stars in the sky to the smallest of insects.
6. What is the most challenging aspect of mastering mudras?
The initial challenge is achieving the correct formation and clarity in each gesture. However, the true mastery lies in the transition—moving from one mudra to another with seamless grace and ensuring that the hands are not just forming shapes, but are actively “speaking” in rhythm with the music and the story. It is the art of turning prose into poetry.
7. Are mudras only for storytelling, or do they have a spiritual significance?
Many mudras are deeply rooted in spiritual traditions. For instance, the Shankha mudra directly represents the sacred conch of Lord Vishnu, invoking a sense of divinity. The Anjali mudra, used to greet gods, the guru, and the audience, is an act of devotional offering. In Bharatanatyam, storytelling and spirituality are often inseparable.
8. Are there any benefits to practising mudras outside of dance?
Definitely, the practice of holding mudras with precision requires immense concentration and connects the mind directly to the body. This is a form of mindfulness that can be very calming and help improve focus. The discipline and mind-body awareness cultivated through mudra practice can bring a sense of balance and tranquillity to one’s daily life.
9. How are mudras taught to a beginner student?
We begin by treating the mudras like a new alphabet. Students first learn the correct formation of each Asamyukta and Samyukta Hasta, ensuring every finger is placed correctly. We then practise their applications (viniyoga) through simple exercises and stories before incorporating them into the basic steps (adavus) and, eventually, full choreographies.
10. Is there one “most important” mudra in Bharatanatyam?
While every mudra has its place, the Pataka is often considered one of the most foundational due to its incredible versatility. However, from a philosophical perspective, the Anjali mudra is arguably the most significant. It is the gesture of reverence that begins and ends every practice and performance, embodying the spirit of humility and devotion that is the true heart of Bharatanatyam.
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