Bharata Natyam
Elizabeth Kelly
Nartananirṇaya: Saṃyuta Hasta (Double Hand Gestures)
1500 CE - 1600 CE - by Puṇḍarīka Viṭṭhala
Saṃyuta Hasta - Double Hand Gestures
Nartananirṇaya - Language: Sanskrit
The author is thought to be a South Indian, who migrated between courts, eventually writing this text for the Emperor Akbar. The text talks about drama, music, and dance - much like the Natya Sastra, but includes more modern concepts. Bose describes it as the missing link between ancient and current classical dance.
Descriptions and Meanings
Nartananirnaya of Sri Pandrika Vitthala Vol. 3
7:102
7:102
By joining two patāka hands mutually añjali is formed.
Nartananirnaya of Sri Pandrika Vitthala Vol. 3
7:103
7:103
Wherein in añjali the roots, tips and sides are mutually joined in between each other (and the tips of thumbs touch each other) it is karkaṭa.
Nartananirnaya of Sri Pandrika Vitthala Vol. 3
7:104
7:104
When two patāka hands are placed [crosswise] at the wrists, it is patāka.
Nartananirnaya of Sri Pandrika Vitthala Vol. 3
7:104
7:104
Dola is [formed] by two patāka hands, palms upturned and joined together.
Nartananirnaya of Sri Pandrika Vitthala Vol. 3
7:105
7:105
Two sarpaśiras hands, joined at the outer sides (i.e. at little fingers), is puṣpapuṭa.
Nartananirnaya of Sri Pandrika Vitthala Vol. 3
7:105
7:105
Again, two arāla hastas placed each at the other shoulder, give utsanga
Nartananirnaya of Sri Pandrika Vitthala Vol. 3
7:106
7:106
Two khaṭaka(mukhas) placed at the wrists (crossed) [form] khaṭaka vardhamana.
Nartananirnaya of Sri Pandrika Vitthala Vol. 3
7:108
7:108
When two tāmracūḍas are joined in the shape of a chain, it is śṛṅkhalā.
Nartananirnaya of Sri Pandrika Vitthala Vol. 3
7:107
7:107
Two śukatuṇḍas, joined face to face, if [placed] at the chest [form] avahittha.
Nartananirnaya of Sri Pandrika Vitthala Vol. 3
7:106
7:106
Two sarpaśiras-hastas placed each at the opposite elbow [form] gajadanta.
Nartananirnaya of Sri Pandrika Vitthala Vol. 3
7:107
7:107
When mukula (in one hand) is surrounded with kapittha (in the other), it is said to be niṣadha.
Nartananirnaya of Sri Pandrika Vitthala Vol. 3
7:108
7:108
Makara [occurs when] two [ardha] candra hastas are placed one above the other, palms turned down.
Nartananirnaya of Sri Pandrika Vitthala Vol. 3
7:109
7:109
If two haṁsapakṣa-hastas, facing away from each other, are [crossed] like a svastika, it is vardhamāna.
Nartananirnaya of Sri Pandrika Vitthala Vol. 3
7:109
7:109
Two ardhacandra hastas joined well at the sides of the palms [form] dardura.
Nartananirnaya of Sri Pandrika Vitthala Vol. 3
7:110
7:110
If two muṣṭi hastas are placed one above the other facing up, it is yogamusti.
Nartananirnaya of Sri Pandrika Vitthala Vol. 3
7:110
7:110
If two śikhara hastas are joined, face upwards, at the tips, it is dviśikhara.