Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
Nritta Hastas, meaning “dance hands” in Sanskrit, forms an integral part of Indian classical dance forms.
These hand gestures are aesthetically pleasing, adding grace and beauty to the dance movements.
Ancient scriptures like NatyaShastra and Abhinaya Darpana extensively describe Nritta Hastas.
Unlike hand gestures used in storytelling aspects of dance, Nritta Hastas do not convey any specific meaning or emotion.
Instead, they primarily enhance the visual appeal and fluidity of the dance, complementing the rhythmic footwork and overall choreography.
Dance is a language. As Rukmini Devi Arundale once said, “Dance is the hidden language of the soul.”
Imagine telling a story without uttering a word. In classical Indian dance, your hands carry the narrative.
In this guide, we’ll experience the world of Nritta Hastas, the intricate hand gestures codified in the NatyaShastra. Let’s explore these gestures, learn practical steps, and unlock their expressive potential!
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Nritta Hastas in Classical Dance (Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and other dance forms in India)
The dancer moves their hands in a beautiful way. The movements look like flowers blooming, trees dancing, or even mythical creatures. These lovely movements are not just for show. They come from a deep understanding of Nritta Hastas.
Nritta Hastas are part of a larger group called ‘hand gestures’ in Indian classical dance.
The NatyaShastra lists an impressive variety of dance-hand gestures; which we will list here. In Abhinayadarpana, these movements (to be added soon) are described with precision, emphasizing both aesthetic beauty and technical rigor.
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Nritta Hastas Gestures As Mentioned In Natya Shastra (Sanskrit Version)
Let’s break down some of the key gestures described in the NatyaShastra. Each gesture is outlined with clear instructions and practical tips.
Stand in front of a mirror and give these a try!
Caturasra
वक्षसोऽष्टाङ्गुलस्थौ तु प्राङ्मुखौ खटकामुखौ ।
समानकूर्परांसौ तु चतुरस्रौ प्रकीर्तितौ ॥ १८५॥
vakṣaso’ṣṭāṅgulasthau tu prāṅmukhau khaṭakāmukhau |
samānakūrparāṃsau tu caturasrau prakīrtitau || 185||
Description:
Hold two Kaṭakāmukha hands forward at a distance of eight Aṅgulīs from your chest. Your shoulders and elbows should align on the same level.
Practical Tip:
Stand tall, relax your shoulders, and extend your arms as if offering a gentle salute. Count eight finger-widths from your chest as a guide.
Example:
Visualize greeting your audience with a poised, open gesture that communicates welcome and readiness.
Udvṛtta
हंसपक्षकृतौ हस्तौ व्यावृतौ तालवृन्तवत् ।
उद्वृत्ताविति विज्ञेयावथवा तालवृन्तकौ ॥ १८६॥
haṃsapakṣakṛtau hastau vyāvṛtau tālavṛntavat |
udvṛttāviti vijñeyāvathavā tālavṛntakau || 186||
Description:
Move your two Haṃsapakṣa hands as if waving a palm-leaf (fan). This gesture is also known as Tālavṛnta.
Practical Tip:
Imagine a soft breeze moving through a palm leaf. Let your hands move with a gentle, natural wave that feels both rhythmic and free.
Example:
Use this gesture to evoke a sense of calm elegance. It works wonderfully during transitions or reflective moments in your performance.
Talamukha
चतुरस्त्रस्थितौ हस्तौ हंसपक्षकृतौ तथा ।
तिर्यक्स्थितौ चाभिमुखौ ज्ञेयौ तालमुखाविति ॥ १८७॥
caturastrasthitau hastau haṃsapakṣakṛtau tathā |
tiryaksthitau cābhimukhau jñeyau tālamukhāviti || 187||
Description:
Start in the Caturasra position and then angle your hands obliquely so they face each other.
Practical Tip:
Keep your movements deliberate and measured. Focus on creating a dynamic diagonal alignment that adds visual interest.
Example:
A perfect gesture to highlight mood shifts or to draw attention to a significant moment in your dance narrative.
Svastika and Viprakīrṇa
तावेव मणिबन्धान्ते स्वस्तिकाकृतिसंस्थितौ ।
स्वस्तिकाविति विख्यातौ विच्युतौ विप्रकीर्णकौ ॥ १८८॥
tāveva maṇibandhānte svastikākṛtisaṃsthitau |
svastikāviti vikhyātau vicyutau viprakīrṇakau || 188||
Description:
Start with the Talamukha posture, then cross your hands at the wrists (forming the Svastika). Once crossed, smoothly release your hands; this released position is known as Viprakīrṇa.
Practical Tip:
Practice the crossing and releasing motions slowly. Let the transition be fluid, almost as if your hands are engaged in a subtle conversation.
Example:
This sequence can be used to introduce an unexpected twist, adding layers to your storytelling.
Arālakhaṭakāmukha
अलपल्लवसंस्थानावुर्ध्वास्यौ पद्मकोशकौ ।
अरालखटकाख्यौ चाप्यरालखटकामुखौ ॥ १८९॥
alapallavasaṃsthānāvurdhvāsyau padmakośakau |
arālakhaṭakākhyau cāpyarālakhaṭakāmukhau || 189||
Description:
Start with two Alapallava (or Alapadmaka) hands, palms facing upward. Transition these into Padmakośa hands. This gesture is also known as Arālakaṭaka.
Practical Tip:
Visualize your hands as delicate lotus petals unfolding. Use soft yet intentional movements to capture the gesture’s inherent grace.
Example:
Use Arālakhaṭakāmukha in moments of introspection. It’s ideal for scenes that needs a gentle, unfolding revelation.
Āviddhavakraka
भुजांसकूर्पराग्रैस्तु कुटिलावर्तितौ करौ ।
पराङ्गमुखतलाविद्धौ ज्ञेयावाविद्धवक्रकौ ॥ १९१॥
bhujāṃsakūrparāgraistu kuṭilāvartitau karau |
parāṅgamukhatalāviddhau jñeyāvāviddhavakrakau || 191||
Description:
Sequentially touch your opposite shoulder, elbow, and hand. Then, rotate your palms to face the back.
Practical Tip:
Start slowly, ensuring each contact point is clear. Once comfortable, increase the fluidity of your movements, allowing the transitions to flow naturally.
Example:
This gesture mimics a conversational exchange between different parts of your body, a subtle interplay of connection and movement.
Sūcīmukha
हस्तौ तु सर्पशिरसौ मध्यमाङ्गुष्ठकौ यदा ।
तिर्यक्प्रसारितास्यौ च तदा सूचीमुखौ स्मृतौ ॥ १९२॥
hastau tu sarpaśirasau madhyamāṅguṣṭhakau yadā |
tiryakprasāritāsyau ca tadā sūcīmukhau smṛtau || 192||
Description:
Bring together the two Sarpaśiraḥ hands so that your thumbs touch your middle fingers. Stretch the fingertips obliquely.
Practical Tip:
Focus on the precision of your finger alignment. Hold the pose with grace and control, and feel the gesture’s delicate power.
Example:
Sūcīmukha is ideal for emphasizing moments of intensity or concentration within your performance.
Recita and Ardharecita
रेचितौ चापि विज्ञेयौ हंसपक्षौ द्रुतभ्रमौ ।
प्रसारितोत्तानतलौ रेचिताविति संज्ञितौ ॥ १९४॥
recitau cāpi vijñeyau haṃsapakṣau drutabhramau |
prasāritottānatalau recitāviti saṃjñitau || 194||
चतुरस्रो भवेद्वामः सव्यहस्तश्च रेचितः ।
विज्ञेयौ नृत्ततत्त्वज्ञैर्धरेचितसंज्ञकौ ॥ १९५॥
caturasro bhavedvāmaḥ savyahastaśca recitaḥ |
vijñeyau nṛttatattvajñairdharecitasaṃjñakau || 195||
Recita Description:
Move your two Haṃsapakṣa hands swiftly with palms facing upward in a natural, rhythmic motion.
Ardharecita Description:
Combine gestures: keep the left hand in the Caturasra position while the right hand executes the Recita.
Practical Tip:
Practice each hand independently at first, then slowly merge the movements. Focus on the contrast between the steady and the flowing.
Example:
These gestures add dynamic energy, perfect for sequences that transition from calm to exuberance.
Explore Samyuta and Asamyuta Hastas
Uttānavañcita, Pallava, Nitamba, and Keśabandha
- Uttānavañcita:
Two Tripatāka hands, slightly bent. Incorporate gentle shoulder and elbow movements.- Tip: Practice in slow motion until the bending appears natural.
- Pallava:
Join your two Patāka hands at the wrist.- Tip: Think of this as a symbol of unity, which is steady and connected.
- Nitamba:
Shift your Patāka hands from a “boulder” position to rest at your hip.- Tip: Ensure your posture remains grounded as you move.
- Keśabandha:
Move your hands outward from the hair-knot area and let them settle at your sides.- Tip: Keep the motion smooth, as if your hands are naturally extending.
Example for the Group:
Try linking these gestures in a fluid sequence. They add narrative variety and enhance the rhythmic storytelling of your performance.
Latā, Karihasta, Pakṣavañcitaka, and Pakṣapradyotaka
- Latā:
Stretch both hands obliquely sideways. - Karihasta:
Let one Latā hand swing gently from side to side while the other (Tripatāka) rests near the ear. - Pakṣavañcitaka:
Place one Tripatāka hand on your waist and the other on your head. - Pakṣapradyotaka:
Swap these positions fluidly.
Practical Tip:
Focus on coordination and balance. Start slowly, ensuring that each transition is deliberate.
Example:
These gestures can signal a dramatic shift in emotion or mark the climax of a story segment.
Daṇḍapakṣa, Ūrdhvamaṇḍalī, Pārśvamaṇḍalī, Uromaṇḍalī, and Uraḥpārśvārdhamaṇḍalī
- Daṇḍapakṣa:
Alternate the movement of your Haṃsapakṣa hands, then extend them like a staff. - Ūrdhvamaṇḍalī:
Create a circular motion with both hands near your upper body. - Pārśvamaṇḍalī:
Perform a similar circle on one side. - Uromaṇḍalī:
One hand rises while the other hangs down near the breast. - Uraḥpārśvārdhamaṇḍalī:
Alternate the Alapallava and Arāla hand movements above the chest and by the sides.
Practical Tip:
Practice these circular movements as if you were drawing soft, continuous loops in the air. Let the motion be meditative and rhythmic.
Example:
These gestures are fantastic for sequences that need fluid, flowing energy, ideal for conveying emotion through movement.
Finishing Nritya Gestures: Muṣṭikasvastika, Nalinīpadmakośa, Alapallava, Ulbaṇa, Lalita, and Valita
- Muṣṭikasvastika:
Bend the Kaṭakāmukha hands at the wrists and move them in a gentle circular pattern. - Nalinīpadmakośa:
Alternate hand movements with Vyavartita and Parivartita Karaṇa. - Alapallava:
Execute the Udveṣṭita Karaṇa using both hands. - Ulbaṇa:
Stretch your hands upward and wave them gracefully. - Lalita:
Move two Alapallava hands above your head with a light touch. - Valita:
Cross the two Latā hands at the elbows for a striking finish.
Practical Tip:
Practice these finishing gestures as a set. They can serve as a powerful conclusion to a sequence, leaving your audience with a lasting impression.
Example:
Use these gestures at the climax of your performance to signal resolution and emotional release.
Practical Exercises to Perfect Your Nritta Hastas
- Mirror Practice:
Stand in front of a mirror. Start with slow, deliberate movements. Watch your alignment. Shoulders, elbows, and hands must work in harmony.- Try this: Practice Caturasra repeatedly until you can hold it with perfect symmetry.
- Flow Sequences:
Combine two or more gestures. For example, start with Caturasra, move into Udvṛtta, then transition into Talamukha. Flow is key!- Challenge yourself: Create a mini-routine using at least three different gestures.
- Rhythmic Integration:
Select a soft instrumental track. Let the music guide your hand movements. Start slowly and gradually build speed.- Pro Tip: Record your practice to spot subtle improvements and areas for refinement.
- Peer Feedback:
Rehearse with fellow dancers or teachers. Exchange constructive feedback to fine-tune your gestures.- Remember: Sometimes, an external perspective can highlight details you might miss on your own.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Overcomplication:
Avoid trying to master too many gestures at once. Focus on one, perfect it, then move on. - Misalignment:
Pay close attention to shoulder, elbow, and hand positions. Even minor deviations can affect the gesture’s integrity. - Rigid Movements:
Your hands should communicate softness and fluidity. Practice relaxing your muscles to let the natural flow emerge. - Neglecting Transitions:
Smooth transitions are as important as the gestures themselves. Spend time practicing the flow between each movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nritta Hastas is an important part of classical Indian dance. It has been mentioned in old Sanskrit texts like the Puranas and Natya Shastra. This dance form plays a big role in adding beauty and visual storytelling to Indian culture. Its history shows how much it contributes to India’s rich artistic traditions.
In Indian classical dance, both ‘Nritta’ and ‘Abhinaya’ play important roles. ‘Nritta’ is all about pure dance, rhythm, and footwork. It emphasizes movement and technique. In contrast, ‘Abhinaya’ uses hand gestures and facial expressions. It aims to express feelings, ideas, and stories.
Learning hasta mudras on their own can help you understand and enjoy these gestures better. These hand signs become even more beautiful when they are combined with music, emotions, and the overall dance style. You often see them used with dance forms like Kathak or dances from South India.
Nritta Hasta is important in many Indian classical dance styles. It is especially common in South Indian dances like Bharatanatyam. Bharatanatyam has deep ties to the Natya Shastra. Kathak is another style that is known for its lovely storytelling.
Beginners can start by watching and copying simple hand movements and hastas in nritya. It is important to get help from an experienced mentor. Regular practice is key. You should focus on precision and grace to master Nritta Hastas.
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Conclusion to Nritta Hastas
Nritta Hastas are the art of decorative hand gestures. It brings elegance to classical dance forms. These detailed movements show emotions and tell stories.
They make the dance more expressive and interesting. To master this art, it is important to understand its history and how it expresses feelings.
New dancers can start by learning about its beginnings and practicing with skilled teachers. Enjoy the beauty of Nritta Hastas.
Explore its cultural meanings and see what makes it special in classical dance. Start your journey into this amazing art form today.
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At Natya-Shastra.in, our mission is to serve as a gateway to the illustrious world of the NāṭyaŚāstra. We offer insights, resources, and a platform to delve deeper into the nuances of Indian performing arts.
Also, we aim to bring forth the richness of this ancient text, shedding light on the profound wisdom it holds and its everlasting influence on various artistic traditions.
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NatyaShastra Glossary: Head over to the Natyashastra Glossary page to know the meaning behind Sanskrit terms used in the articles.
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