Asamyukta Hastas
Role of Mudras in Kathak
Mudras have been part of Indian classical tradition since the Vedic period, used to express emotion, depict imagery, and convey symbolic meaning. The palm is the center of expression, while the wrist acts as the pivot for movement in any direction. In Kathak, as in other classical forms, mudras fall into two broad categories: Asamyukta (single-hand) and Samyukta (combined, two-hand) gestures. There are 28 primary single-hand gestures.
Pataka
In Pataka mudra, all fingers held straight and close together, with the thumb slightly bent to touch the base of the index finger. Used to show clouds, a forest, or a blessing.
Tripataka
Same as Pataka, but with the ring finger bent down and all other fingers are held straight. Used to show a crown, a tree, or an arrow.
Ardhapataka
Same as Tripataka, with the little finger also bent down along with ring finger and all other fingers are held straight. Used to show a knife, a riverbank, or a temple tower.
Kartarimukha
Index and middle fingers extended and spread apart like scissors, the other fingers folded in. Used to show separation between two people, or lightning.
Mayura
Ring finger touches the tip of the thumb, while the other fingers stay spread and raised. Used to show a peacock, or the wiping away of tears.
Ardhachandra
Pataka with the thumb stretched outward, curving the hand like a crescent. Used to show the moon, or a gesture of prayer and greeting
Arala
Pataka with the index finger bent inward. Used to show the act of drinking poison or nectar.
Shukatunda
Similar to Arala, with the ring finger bent more sharply, like a beak. Used to show shooting an arrow, or throwing a spear
Mushthi
All fingers folded into a tight fist, with the thumb pressed over them. Used to show firmness and steadiness, or wrestling.
Shikhara
A closed fist with the thumb raised straight upward. Used to show the god of love, a pillar, or the ringing of a bell
Kapittha
Bending the forefinger of the Sikhara pose and placing it over the thumb in a pressing position, forms Kapittha pose Used to show Goddess Lakshmi or Saraswati, or the act of milking a cow.
Katakamukha
Index finger, middle finger, and thumb brought together at the tips, with the ring and little finger raised. Used to show picking flowers, or holding a pearl necklace.
Suchi
The index finger pointed straight up, with the other fingers folded into the palm. Used to show the number one, or the sun.
Chandrakala
Ardhachandra with the index finger bent slightly inward. Used to show a digit of the moon, or a jewel.
Padmakosha
Fingers curved inward and slightly separated, like an unopened flower. Used to show a water lily, or a fruit such as mango or apple.
Sarpashirsha
Fingers pressed together and curved forward, resembling a snake's hood. Used to show offering water to gods and sages, or an elephant's flapping ear.
Mrigashirsha
Thumb and little finger raised, with the middle three fingers folded down. Used to show calling out to a beloved, or holding an umbrella.
Simhamukha
Middle and ring fingers bent to touch the thumb, with the index and little finger raised. Used to show an elephant, or a pearl garland.
Kangula
Ring finger bend down and all other fingers held upwards. Used to show a small fruit, or a water lily.
Alapadma
All five fingers spread wide and curved back, like a fully bloomed lotus. Used to show yearning for a beloved, or the full moon.
Chatura
Little finger is straightened and the other four fingers bent slightly at the middle knuckle, with the thumb tucked in. Used to show the eyes, or a small amount
Bhramara
The middle finger and thumb touch each other, index finger bent towards the palm and other two fingers stretched upwards. Used to show the eyes, or a small amount
Hamsasya
Thumb and index finger touching delicately, with the other three fingers extended straight. Used to show tying the marriage thread, or the act of painting.
Hamsapaksha
The ring finger, middle finger and index finger stretched perpendicular to the little finger stretched upwards and thump is bent a little as if to reach to the top of index finger.. Used to show constructing a bridge, or the number six.
Samdamsha
Padmakosha with the fingers repeatedly opened and closed. Used to show an offering, or the number five.
Mukula
All five fingertips brought together to a point. Used to show a flower bud, or the god of love.
Tamrachuda
Suchi with the index finger bent at the middle knuckle. Used to show a crane, or the act of writing.
Trishula
Index, middle, and ring fingers held straight and apart, with the thumb holding down the little finger. Used to show a trident, or three things held together.