Indian dancing

INDIAN DANCING

. Padmakosa Hasta (Lotus-bud)

. Mukula Hasta (Flowet-bud)

. Ardha-suchi Hasta (Half-needle)

. Alapadma Hasta (Full-blown lotus) . Bhramahara Hasta (Bee)

. Chatura Hasta (Foutr-fingered)

. Sarpa-sirsa Hasta (Snake’s hood)

. Mrga-sirsa Hasta (Deet)

. Simha-mukha Hasta (Lion’s face) 10. Bana Hasta (Atrow)

11. Palli Hasta (Village)

12. Hamsasya Hasta (Swan’s bill)

13. Hamsapaksa Hasta (Pattot’s beak) 14. Langula ot Kangula Hasta (Tail) 15. Urna-nabha Hasta (Spider)

16. Samdamsa Hasta (Tongs)

17. Irisula Hasta (Trident)

18. Byaghra Hasta (Tiget)

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Examples: The basic sign of the padmakosa hasta can indicate the opening of a lotus; picking up food; strewing flowers.

When a dancer describes a flower bud, he begins with the mukula hasta (2), and then indicates its gradual opening with the padmakosa hasta (1). If the flower were a lotus, the a/apadma gesture (4) would follow to suggest the full-blown water-lily. The padmakosa hasta of a cupped hand is also used to suggest the picking up of food prior to cattying it to the mouth.

From the examples given, and after a careful study of the photogtaphs on pages 83 to 96, it will be clear that each of the foregoing gestures conveys various meanings depending on the position and manner in which it is used. One more example will suffice: The right hand in the s/kbara mudra (Group II), poised near the navel, symbolizes Shiva; raised to shoulder level, it implies ‘Where?’ An alteration in the position of the hand, with no change in the gesture itself, has changed its meaning completely.