Bharatanatyam Basics: 5 Mudras Every New Student Should Learn

One of India's most cherished classical dance styles, Bharatanatyam, is renowned for its elegance, deft footwork, and expressive hand gestures, or mudras. Gaining a strong foundation in Bharatanatyam requires new students to grasp the fundamentals. Mudras are a crucial component of these fundamentals because they enhance the performance's depth, tell stories, and express emotions.

What are Mudras in Bharatanatyam?

Mudras are symbolic hand gestures used in classical dance forms to express meanings, feelings, and stories. These hand gestures, in particular, enable dancers in Bharatanatyam to interact with the audience without using words. In this intricate storytelling technique, every movement, even the smallest head tilt or hand placement, has a purpose.

Mudras are divided into two categories:

1. Asamyukta Mudras – Single-handed gestures.

2. Samyukta Mudras – Two-handed gestures.
   

5 Mudras Every Bharatanatyam Student Should Learn

1. (The Flag Gesture)

Meaning: The Pataka Mudra is a flag-like gesture in which the hand is held upright with the thumb outstretched and the fingers joined. This gesture symbolizes the raising of a flag to mark a victory or an important turning point in a narrative.

Usage: This mudra is frequently used to symbolize actions such as "proclaiming," "holding," and "signifying." In Bharatanatyam, it's one of the most commonly used mudras.

How to Perform:

• Extend your hand in front of you.

• Keep the fingers joined and stretch them out.

• The thumb remains extended while the other fingers are flat.
  

2. Tripataka (The Three-Flag Gesture)

Meaning: By adding a middle finger fold, the Tripataka Mudra is an extension of the Pataka. Depending on the situation, this mudra can stand for the sun, mountains, or even fire.

Usage: It is frequently employed to denote actions such as "striking," "beating," or "indicating the form of something." It can also be used to represent a god, a king, or a strong force.

How to Perform:

• Form the Pataka Mudra with your hand.

• Bend the middle finger slightly to form the "three flags."

3. Anjali (The Prayer Gesture)

Meaning: The Anjali Mudra, which involves joining both hands in a prayer-like position, is also referred to as the prayer gesture.

Usage: To express respect, gratitude, and reverence, make this mudra. It frequently appears at the start and finish of Bharatanatyam performances.

How to Perform:

• Bring the palms of your hands together in front of your chest.

• Keep the fingers joined and the hands parallel to the floor.

4. Alapadma (The Lotus Gesture)

Meaning: The Alapadma Mudra is shaped like a blooming lotus, symbolizing beauty, grace, and spirituality.

Usage: This mudra is used to convey elegance, as well as a sense of calmness and purity. It can also represent flowers or the concept of blooming.

How to Perform:

• Extend your fingers outward while keeping the palm flat.

• The fingers should be spread apart, resembling the petals of a lotus flower.

5. Hamsasya (The Swan Gesture)

Meaning: The Hamsasya Mudra symbolizes a swan. It is known for its delicate, graceful form and represents purity, beauty, and elegance.

Usage: It’s used to express beauty, softness, or swan-like grace. It can also be used to symbolize divine beings or to convey the act of offering.

How to Perform:

• Extend the index and middle fingers while keeping the other fingers curled inward.

• The palm remains upright and open, resembling a bird's beak.

Conclusion

To advance as a dancer, you must master the fundamentals of Bharatanatyam. Mudras are crucial elements that enhance the dance's narrative quality while also enhancing the performance's aesthetic appeal. Gaining proficiency in these five mudras as a beginner will enable you to communicate clearly and convey your feelings in a potent, significant way.

You will quickly become proficient in these fundamental mudras and progress to more complex gestures and movements in Bharatanatyam with constant practice and attention to detail. Learning Bharatanatyam is a journey of discovery, and mastering each mudra will advance your skill level as a dancer.

FAQs

What are the most important mudras in Bharatanatyam?

The most important mudras include Pataka, Tripataka, Anjali, Alapadma, and Hamsasya, which form the foundation for every Bharatanatyam performance.

How can I improve my Bharatanatyam mudras?

Do mudras in Bharatanatyam have specific meanings?

How long does it take to master Bharatanatyam mudras?

Can Bharatanatyam mudras be used in other dance forms?