Nrityam

One of the most striking features of Indian classical dance is the use of hand gestures. Speaking in dance via gestures in order to convey outer events or things visually is what Mudras do. To convey inner feelings, two classifications of Mudras (hand/finger gesture) are used in Indian Classical Dance, and are indeed a prominent part of the dancer's vocabulary.

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In Bharatanatyam, the Classical Dance of India performed by Lord Nataraja, approximately fifty-five root mudras (hand/finger gestures) are used to clearly communicate specific ideas, events, actions, or creatures in which thirty-two require only one hand, and are classified as `Asamyukta Hasta', along with twenty-three other primary mudras which require both hands and are classified as 'Samyukta Hasta. [NB these fifty-five are the roots; the branches permit of many more Mudra, some of which are used primarily as aesthetic or decorative enhancements.

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Hastas or Hasta Mudras are an integral part of Bharatanatyam, where stories are brought to life through  intricate hand gestures combined with beautiful facial expressions and dynamic movements.

There are 52 Hasta Mudras which are divided into 28  single handed gestures  or Asamyuta Hastas and 24  double Handed gestures or Samyuta Hastas. These Hastas are used to depict stories of Indian where Gods & Goddesses, as well as various characters, creatures, elements of nature, animals, emotions and relationships within a story . Every movement used in Bharatantyam has a Sanskrit name and the uses these movements are taught through verses from the Natya Shastra, which is a detailed treatise on the performing arts including Dance, Drama, Music,and Literature.

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