In this article, we will be learning Hasthabhinayam. There are four types of Abhinaya (the art of expression); Angika, Vachika, Aharya and Sattwika.
Angika Abhinaya is where the expression is carried by the different parts of the body. This is divided into three i.e. Anga (major limbs), Pratyanga (minor limbs) and Upanga (subsidiary limbs). There are 6 Anga. They are Shira, Hasta, Kati, Vakshasthala, Parshwa and Pada. Among these 6 Angas, Hastas play an important role in Natya, Nritta, Nritya. They are the basic tool used for explaining the meaning of the songs and texts, etc used in theatre and dance. While dancing the performer don’t speak (except in few classical Indian dance forms) like in theatre. While dancing the dancer uses these hand gestures to communicate the meaning of the song to the audience.
The word Hasta Mudra means Hand gestures. These are divided into two main categories i.e Asamyutha hastas (the word "A-Samyutha" means "Not-Joint". These are also called single-handed gestures) and Samyutha Hastas (the word "Samyutha" means "Joint". These are also called double-handed gestures).
SAMYUTHA HASTAS
Abhianyadarpana is a text on Abhinaya by Acharya Nandikeshwara written in around 11th - 12th century. This text contains 324 verses. Here, Acharya has described 24 SamyutaHastas with a detailed description of their uses (Viniyogas). The 24 Samyuta Hastas according to Abhinaya Darpana are:
“Anjalishcha kapothashcha karkata svasthikasthathaa
Dolahasthah pushpaputaha uthsangah shivalingakaha
Katakaavardhanashchaiva karthareesvasthikasthathaa
Shakatam Shanka Chakrecha samputah paashaa Keelakau
Mathsyah Koorma Varaahashcha
Garudo naagabandhakaha
Khatvaa Berundakaakhyeshcha Avahithasthathei vachaha
Chaturvimshati sankhyakaha samyukta katitha karaha”
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MUDRA | VINIYOGA (USAGE) | |
|---|---|---|
1. | ANJALI | Salutation, pray |
2. | KAPOTHA | politeness |
3. | KARKATA | gathering of crowd, branch of tree |
SWASTIKA | fear, saying no | |
5. | DOLA | walking, beginning of dance |
6. | PUSHPAPUTA | offering, holding water or flowers |
7. | UTSANGA | embrace, shyness |
8. | SIVALINGA | lord shiva |
9. | KATAKAVARDHANA | worship, coronation |
10. | KARTHAREE SWASTIKA | branches of a tree |
11. | SHAKATA | demon |
12. | SHANKHA | Conch |
13. | CHAKRA | Lord Vishnu's Chakra |
14. | SAMPUTA | box, secret |
15. | PAASHA | quarrel |
16. | KEELAKA | friendly talk |
17. | MATSYA | fish |
18. | KURMA | tortoise |
19. | VARAHA | wild boar |
20. | GARUDA | bird |
21. | NAGABHANDHA | snakes |
22. | KHATWA | bed |
23. | BHERUNDA | bird couple, scorpio |
24. | AVAHITHA | show love, flowers, ball |
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