FIRST YEAR JUNIOR DIPLOMA– BHARATNATYAM

Q. Ability to demonstrate all Samyukta and Asamyukta hastas according to Natyashatra and
AbhinayaDarpana?

Asamyutha hasta according to Abhinaya Darpana:

Pataka tripatako ardhapatakaha kartarimukhaha 
Mayurakyo ardhachandrashcha arla shukatundakaha 
Mushtishcha shikarakhyashcha kapittha katakamukhaha 
Suchi chandrakala padmakosha sarpashirstatha 
Mrigashirshaha simhamukhaha kangulashcha alapadmakaha 
Chaturobramarashchaiva hamsasyo hamsapakshakaha 
Samdamsho mukulashchaiva tamrachuda trishulakaha 
Ityasamyuta hastaanaam ashtavinshatiririta

Asamyutha hasta according to Natyashastra:

Pataakas tripataakascha tathaavai kartareemukhaha
Ardhachando araalascha shukatundas thathaivachaha
Mushtischa shikharaagyascha kapitha katakaamukhaha
Soochaasya padmakosha sarpashira mrugasheershakaha
Kaangoolako alapadmascha chaturo bramarasthatha
Hamsaasyo hamsapakshascha sandamsho mukulasthatha
Uoornanaabhas taamrachooda chaturvimshathireeritha

Samyutha hasta according to Abhinaya Darpana:

Anjalishcha kapotashcha karkata swastihastatha 
Dolahasta pushpaputa utsanga shivalingakaha 
Katakaavardhanashchaiva kartareesvastihastatha 
Shakatam shankha chakrecha samputa paarsha kilakou 
Matsya kurmo varahashcha garudo nagabandhakaha 
Khatva bherundakakeshcha avahittas tathaivacha 
Chaturvimshati rityete kara shastragna sammatha

Samyutha hasta according to Natyashastra:

Anjalishcha kapotashcha karkata swastihastatha 
Katakaavardhamaanaschapi utsango nishadhasthatha
Dolaha pushpaputaschaiva tatha makaramevacha
Gajadantho avahithascha vardhamaanasthathaivacha
Ethethu samyuthahasthaa mayaproktaastrayodasha
Q. Significant of Nataraja?

• As the name indicates, Nataraja is the King and Presiding deity of dance.

• He is the supreme lord ruling over the world with his dancing.

• He is the God who turns the wheel of creation, protection and destruction.

• The pose of Nataraja what we see today was sculpted in the 10 th century during the period of
cholas. This is one of the best sculptures in the world. The pose of Nataraja Murthy is called as
Naadhaantha bhangi or Ananda thandava

• Here Shiva is depicted having:

• Four Hands:

• Upper Right hand with Damaru indicates First sound of creation.

• Upper left hand with fire indicates destruction.

• Lower Right hand with Abhaya mudra gesture that calms all the fear.

• Lower left hand with Gaja Hasta signifies non-attachment.

• Left leg is in bhujanga Thraasithachaari and right leg standing on back of the
demon apasmara signifies Destroying wickedness of this universe.

• Scattered Hair: Represents the force of his dance.

• Crescent: Symbolises the beauty and immorality.

• Flowing Ganga: Indicates the perennial Flow of life.

• Serpent: Hurdles in life.

• Eyes on the forehead: Knowledge and charring of everything on the Earth.

• Earring worn by men in the right ear and women’s earring in the left ear indicates the
Union of Prakrithi and Purusha.

• The aura around him is called Thiruvali. This is a Natural Perennial movement where
Shiva is shown dancing at the centre point of it.

Q. Define: SaptaTandava, Laghu, Drutham and Adavu

• Saptatandava:

A forceful and vibrant dance movement and are called Thaandava. Shiva is the originator of
Thaandava. He taught this to his disciple Thandu and from Thandu, Bharatha learnt it.
 Thaandava has two main divisions named Prerini and Vaahalitha. This is a male originated
dance. According to Shiviate literature, there are seven thaandavaas called Saptha
thaandavas. They are:

• Samhaara Thaandava

• Thripura Thaandava

• Kaalika Thaandava

• Sandhaya Thaandava

• Gowri Thaandava

• Uma Thaandava

• Aanandha Thaandava

• Laghu: Having a beat and three finger counts, commencing from the small finger, with
duration of four akshara kalas, and its symbol is ‘l’.

• Dhrutham: Having one beat and a waving of the hand with a duration of two akshara kalas,
and its symbol is ‘O’.

• Adavu: It means basic steps or basic unit of particular rhythmic movements, which are the
beginning lesson of Bharatanatyam student. Adavus don’t express any meaning or feelings; it
present pleasant appearance. Adavus are pure Nritta. The postures of the body in adavus are
always in aramandi.

Q. Viniyoga of all Asamyutha Hasthas

• Pataka Hastha Viniyoga

“Naatyarambhe Vaarivahe Vanay Vasthunisheydhanay

Kuchasthalay Nishayaamcha Nadyaam Amaramandalay
Thurangay Khandanay Vaayu Shayanay Gamanodhyamay
Prataapecha Prasaadecha Chandrikayaam Ghanaatapay
Kavaatapaatanay Sapthavibhakthyarthe Tharangakay
Veedhi Praveshabhavepi Samathvecha Angaraagakay
Athmaarthey Shapathechaapee Thooshneem-bhaava-nidarshanay
Thaalapathraycha Khetecha Dravyaa-dis-sparshane tatha
Aashirvaada-kriyayamcha Nrupa-shreshthasya-bhavane
Tatratatrechi-vachanay Sindhowdu Sukrutikramay
Sambodhanay Puroogepee Khadgaroopasya-dhaaranay
Maasay Samvathsaray Varshadinay Sammaarjnay tatha
 Evamartheshu Yujyathe Pataakahastha Bhaavanaha ”

Words Meanings
Naatyarambhe Beginning of dance
Vaarivahay Rainy clouds
Vanay Forest
Vasthunishedhanay To avoid things
Kuchasthalay Chest
Nisha Dark night
Nadyaam River
Amaramandale To show the heavens
Thurange Horse
Kandane To ignore
Vaayu Wind
Shayanay to sleep
Gamanodhyamay to make an effort to walk
Prathaapa to praise
Pasaada to give blessings
Chandrika Moonlight
Ghanatape Unbearable
Kavaata-patane Closing and opening the doors
Saptha-Vibhakthyarthe Mentioning the seven cases
Tharanga Water ripples
Veethi Street
Pravesha-Bhavepi The act of entering into street
Samatva Equality
Angaraakake Massing the body
Aathmarthe to show one’s own self
Shapatha to make an oath
Thooshneem-bhava-nidarshane To act silence
Thaalapatra Palm Leaf
Khetecha Shield of a soldier
Dravyaa-dis-sparshane Touching the things
Aashirvaada to give blessings
Kriyaa to shoe how to bless
Nrupasreshytasya-bhaavaana to show an emperor
Tatra-Tatrethi-vacahanay to say this or that
Sindhu Waves of an ocean
Sukruthikrame to be good
Sambodhane Addressing
Purogaypee to move forward
Khadga Sword
Roopasya Form
Dharane To wear
Maasa Month
Samvatsara Years
 Varshadine Rainy day
Sammarjana To sweep

• Tripataka Hastha viniyoga

“Makutay Vrukshabhavepi Vajray Thaththara-vaasavay
Kaythakee-kusumay Deepay Vanhijwaalaa-Vijrumbhane
Kapothe Patralekhayaam Baanarthay Parivarthanay
Yujyathay Tripathakoyam Kathitho Bharathothamaihee”

Words Meanings
Makutay Crown
Vruksha to denote a tree (with the branches)
Vajra Thunder bolt (weapon)
Thath-thara-vaasave Bearer of that weapon (Indra)
Kethaki-kusumay Kethaki flower
Deepay Lamp
Vanhijwala-Vijrumbane Raising flames
Kapothe Pigeon
Patralekhayaam to draw designs on the body
Baanarthe to shoot an arrow
Parivarthane to do circular movements

• Ardhapataka Hastha viniyoga

“Pallavay Phalakay Theeray Ubhayorithivaachakay
Krakachay Chhurikayaamcha Dwajay Gopura-Sringayoho
Yujyathy Ardhapathakoyam Thathakarmaproyogakay”

Words Meanings
Pallava Tender leaves
Phalaka Wooden plank
Theera River bank
Ubhayorithivaachaka to denote or to say two
Krakach Saw
Churikaa Pen-knife
Dhwaje Flag
Gopura Temple tower or any tower
Sringaya Horns

• Kartharimukha Hastha viniyoga

“Sthreepum-sayosthu-vishlayshe Viparya-sapadaypivaa
Lunthanay Nayanaamtheycha Maranay Bhedabhavanay
Vidhyudarthey Ekashayya-virahay Patanay tatha
Lathaayam Yujyathay Yasthu Sakara Kartharimukhaha”
 Words Meanings
Sthreepum-sayosthu-vishlaysa The difference between women and men
Viparyaa-sapadaypivaa Showing ‘this’ or ‘that’
Luntana Rolling
Nayanaamthecha Corner of the eyes
Marana to show death
Bhedabhaavana to show the difference of opinions
Vidhyudarthe Lightning
Ekashaiyyaavirahe to lay alone in the bed while in separation
from the loved one
Pathana to fall down
Latha Creeper

• Mayura Hasta Viniyoga:

“Mayuraasyeh Lathaayaamcha Shakunay Vamanaytatha

Alakasyaapanayanay Lalaatathilakayasucha
Nadhyudakasya Niksheypay Shaastravaaday Prasindhakay
Evamardhyeshu Yujyathay Mayurakara Bhaavanahaa”

Mudras Meaning
Mayurasyam Peacock
• Lathaa Creepers
Shakunam A Bird
Vamanam To denote vomiting
Alakasyaapanayanam To remove the hair knots
Lalaatathilakam To put the scared mark on the forehead
Nadhyuddakasya Niksheypam Sprinkling water over the head
Shaastravaade Discussing about shastras
Prasidhaka Very famous
Ardhachandra Hasta Viniyoga:

“Chandray Krishnaashtamee-bhaaje Galahastaartha-kaypicha

Bhallayudhay Devathaanam – Abhishechanakarmani
Bhukpaathray cha Udbhavay Katyaam Chinthaayam Athmavaachakaya
Dhyaanaycha Praarthanaychaapee Angaanamsparshanaythathaa
Praakruthaanaam namaskaaray Ardhachandroniyujyathay”

Mudras Meaning
Chandray – Krishnaashtamee – Bhaajee The moon on the eighth day after the full moon
Galahastaartha Holding somebodies’ neck and pushing him
Bhalaayudha A weapon
Devathaanam – Abishechana – Karmani Offering of God
Bhukpaathra Eating plate
Udhbava Origin of birth
Katyaam Waist
Chinthaayaam Worrying
Aathmavaachakam Musing about one’s own self
Dhyaana Meditation
Praarthana Prayers
Angaanaam – Sparsha Touching the limbs
Praakruthaanaam – Namaskaram To greet common people

• Aarala Hastha Viniyoga:

“Vishaad – Amrutha – Paanayshu Prachanda – pavanaypicha”

Mudra Meaning
Vishaad, Amrutham, Paanay To show drinking of poison or arose
Prachanda – Pavana Voilent breeze

• Shukathundaka Hastha Viniyoga:

“Banaprayogay – Kunthaarthay Vaalayasyas – smrithikramay

Marmookthyaam Ugrabhaavayshu Shukathundoniyujyathay”

Mudra Meaning
Bhaanaprayoga Shooting an arrow
Kunthaartha A Spear
Baalayasyas smritikrama Remembering the past
Marmookthyaam Mystic things
Ugrabhaava Great Anger

• Mushti Hastha Viniyoga

“Sthiray kachagraha Daarshtye Vasthuvadeenamcha dharana

Mallianam yudhabhavaecha Mushti hasto yamishyatae “

Mudra Meaning
Sthiraye Steadiness
Kachagraha Grasping one’s hair
Daarshtye Courage
Vasthuvadeenamcha Holding things
Dharana To wear
Mallianam yudhabhava Fighting mood of wrestlers

• Shikhara Hastha Viniyoga

“Madane karmuke sthambe nishcaye pitrukarmani

 Oshtre pravishtaroopecha radhane prashnabhavanae
 Linge nastheethivachanae smarane abhinayaanthake
Katibandakarshanecha parirambhavidikrama
Ganda ninada Shikaro yujyatahe Bharatadibi “

Mudra Meaning
Madhane Manmatha or Kama, the God of love
Kaarmuke Bow
Sthambe Pillar
Nishchaye Certainty
Pithrukarmani Offering to ancestors
Oshtra Lips
Pravishtaroopa To pour liquid
Radhana Teeth
Prashnabhavana Questioning
Linga Shiva Lingam
Naastheetivachana Saying “I don’t know”
Smarana Recollection
Abhinayaanthake To do Abhinaya
Katibhandhakarshana To tighten the waist band
Parirambhavidikrama Embracing
Gantaninadha Sounding a bell

• Kapitha Hastha Viniyoga

“Lakshmyaamchaiva Saraswathyaam Nataanam Tala dharanay

Godhohanay pi anjanaycha leelaakusuma dhaaranay
Chelaanchalaadi grahanay patasyaivaava gunthanay
Dhoopa deeparchanay chaapee kapitha samprayujyathay”
 Mudra Meaning
Lakshymyaam Goddess Laxmi
Saraswathyaam Goddess Saraswathy
Nataanaamthaaladharaney Holding symbols
Godhohane Milking cow
Anjanecha Applying kaajal/Putting collyrium
Leelakusumadharaney Holding flowers
Chelaanchaladigrahane Grasping the end of a rope/saree
Patasyayvaavaghuntaney Wrapping one’s head with a cloth
Dhoopadheepaarchaney chaapi Offering Light

• Katakaamukha Hastha Viniyoga

“ Kusumaavachaye mukthaa sragdhaamnaam dhaaraney thathaa

Sharamadhya karshanaycha naagavallipradhaanakay
Kasthoori kaadivasthoonam payshanay gandhavaasanay
Vachanay Drushti bhaavepee katakaamukha ishyathe”

Mudras Meaning
Kusumaavacha Plucking Flowers
Muktha Sragdha A pearl necklase
Dhaaranam To wear
Sharamadhya – karshanam Drawing middle of a row
Naagavallipradhaanake Offering betel leaf
Kasthoori Kaadivasthoonam Preparing paste of musk
Payshane To mix
Ghandhavaasane To smell
Vachane To speak
Drushti Glancing

Soochi Hastha Viniyoga

“Ekaarthaypee – parabrahma -bhaavanaayaam Shathaypicha

Ravaye Nagaryaam Lokarthay Thatheythi Vacchanaypicha
Yatchabde – api – tatchabde vijanaarthepi Tharjanay
Karshey Shalaakay Paanavcha Roomaallayaam Bherivaadhanay
Kulaalchakra bramanay Rathaanga Mandalaythatha
Vivechanay Dinaanthaycha Soochi hasta prakeerthithaha”
 Mudras Meaning
Ekaartha Denoting Number 1
Parabramma - bhaavana Supreme soul “brahma”
Shata Denoting a hundred
Ravi Sun
Nagarya City
Lokarthay World
Thatheythi Vachanam To say “like that”
Yatchabde – api – tatchabde Asking “this” or “that”
Vijanaartha Lonely place
Tharjana To threaten somebody
Kaarshya Growing thin
Shalaka A rod
Vapushi Body
Aashcharyeh astonishment
Venibhavane A braid of hair
Chhatray An umbrella
Samarthay capability
Paanav hairs
Roomaallayaam Beating
Bherivadnay The drums
Kulalchakra Bhramanay Potter’s wheel
Rathangmandale Circumference of a wheel
Vivechanay consideration
Dinantay Decline

Chandrakala Hasta Viniyoga

“Kusumaavachayeh Mukthaa – sragdhaamnaam Dhaaranay – thatha

Chandray mukaycha praadeshey thanmaathraa kaarvastuni
Shivasya makutaky gangaanadhyaamcha lagudaaypicha
Yeshaam chandrakalaa cheiva viniyodhyaa videeyathay”

Mudras Meaning
Chandra Moon
Mukha Face
Praadesha To show the span between the
thumb and index finger
Thanmaathraakaarvastuni To denote objects of that shape
Shivasya Makute Lord Shiva’s crown
Ganganadhyaam River Ganga
Laguda Axe (cut)
Padmakosha Hasta Viniyoga

“Phalay Bilvakapitthaadhuv sthreenaamcha kucha kummbayooh

Aavarthakay kanthukay sthaalyaam bhojanay pushpakoorakay
Sahakaaraphalay pushpa varshey manjarikaadish
Japakusumabhavecha Gantaaroopey vidhaanake
Valmeekay kamalaypi anday padmakoosha videeyathay”

Mudras Meaning
Phalay Bilvakapitthaadhi Wood apple and bilva fruit
Sthreenam cha kucha Breast of a lady
kummbayooh
Aavarthaka Circular movement
Kanthuka Ball
Sthalyam Pot
Bojana To eat
Pushpakoraka Flower garland
Sahakaaraphala Mango fruit
Pushpavarsha Showering flowers
Mancharikadishu Bunch of flowers
Japakusuma Hibiscus flowers
Gantaaroopa Bell
Vidhanka Image of god
Valmeeka An ant hill
Kamala Lotus
Anda Egg

Sarpashira hastha viniyoga

“Chandanay bhujagay mandray prokshanay poshanaadishu

Devasyoo dakadaanayshu Aaspahalay Gajakumbhayooho
Bhujasthaanaythu mallaanaam yujjyathay sarpasheershakaha”

Mudras Meaning
Chandhana Sandal Paste
Bujaga Snake
Mandra Low Pitch
Prokshana Sprinkling
Poshana Nourishing
Devasyodhakadaaneshu Offering to God
Aaspahala Patting
Gajakumbayooho Protuverances of an elephant’s head
Bhujasthaanaythu mallaanam The heavy arms of the wrestler
Mrugasheersha Hasta Viniyoga

“Sthreenaamarthey kapoolaycha chakra maryaadhayoorapee

Bheethyaam vivaaday naypathyeh aavaahanaycha thrupundrakay
Mrugamukay rangavallyaam paasadamvahanay thathaa
Sanchaaraycha priyahvaanay yujyathay mrugasheershakaha”

Mudras Meaning
Sthreenamartha Woman
Kapoola Cheeks
Chakra Wheel
Maryadhayoho A limit
Bheethyam Fear
Vivaadam Discussing
Naypathya Wearing a costume or dressing
Aahvaney Calling
Thrupundreaka Putting Vishnu naama in forehead
Mrugamukha Deer’s face
Rangavallyaam Decorating the floor with rice flour
Padasamvaahanam Massaging the feet
Sanchaaram Walking(stepping)
Priyahvaana Calling the beloved

Simhamukha Hastha viniyoga

“Homay Shashey Gajey Darbhachalanay padmadaamini

Simhaananey Vaidhyapaakay Shodhanay Samprayujyathey”

Mudras Meaning
Homa Yaga
Shasha Hare
Gaja An elephant
Darbhachalana Moving os darbha drass
Padmadamini Lotus garland
Simhaanana Lion’s face
Vaidhyapaaka Preparing medicine
Shodhana Testing
Kangoola Hastha Viniyoga

“Lakuchasyaphalay Balakinkiniyaam Ghantikarthaka

Chakoray kramukay balakuchay kalhaarahaythatha
Chaathakay naalikeyreycha kangoolo yujyathay karaha”

Mudras Meaning
Lakuchasyaphala To denote “lakucha”fruit
Balakinkinyaam Bells worn by children
Ghantika A bell
Chakore Partridge
Kramukha Betel nut tree
Balakucha Young girls breast
Chaataka The bird “chaathaka”
Naalikera Coconut

Alapadma Hasta Viniyoga

“Vikachaabjey kapiththaadipahlaycha aavarthakay kuchey

Virahey mukuray poornachandray sowndarya bhavanay
Dhammiley Chandra shaalaayaam graamay chodruthakopayoho
Thataakay shakatay chakravaakay kalakalaravay
Slaaghanay solapadmascha kathitho bharathaagamay”

Mudras Meaning
Vikachaabja A fully bloomed lotus
Kapiththaadiphla Wood apple
Aavarthaka Circular movement
Kucha Breast
Viraha Separation from beloved
Mukura Mirror
Poornachandra Full moon
Sowndarya bhavana To show neauty
Dhammila Hair knot
Chandrashaalaa Moon tower
Graama Village
Udruthakopa Great anger
Thataaka Pond
Shakata Cart
Chakavaka A bird
Kalakalarava Murmuring sound
Slaagana praising
Chatura Hastha Viniyoga

“Kastooryaam kinchidarthaycha swarney tamray cha lohkay

Aardrey kaydhey rasaasvadhey lochanay varnabhedhan
Pramaaney sarasey mandhagamnay shakaleelruthey
Aananey ghruthathailaadav yujyathe chaturakaraha”

Mudras Meaning
Kasthoori Musk
Kinchidartha Little (to denote)
Swarna Gold
Thamra Cooper
Lohaa Iron
Aardra Wet
Kaydha Sorrow
Rasaasvadha Taste
Lochana Eyes
Varnabhedhana Difference in caste
Pramaana Vow
Sarasa Sweetness
Mandhagamana Walking slowly
Shakaleekrutha To pierce
Aanana Face
Ghruthathailadhi Ghee,oil etc

Bhramara Hastha Viniyoga

“Bhramrecha shukay pakshay saarsay kokiladhishoo

Bhramarakyascha hastoyam kathitho bharatagamay”

Mudras Meaning
Bhramara Bee
Shuks Parrot
Paksha Wings of bird
Saarasa Crane
Kokila Cuckoo and similar birds

Hamsasya Hasta viniyoga

“Maangalyeh soothrabandhe cha upadesha vinischayeh

Romanchay mouktikadhay cha deepavarthi prasaranay
Nikashay mallikaaday cha chitreh thallekaneytatha
Dhamsheycha jalavandhay cha hamsasyo yujjatay karaja”
 Mudras Meaning
Maangalyeh soothrabandha To tie mangal sutra
Upadesha Advice or instruct
Vinishcha Certainity
Romancha Horripilation
Moukthikaaday Pearl neaklase
Deepavarthiprasaranay Wick of lamp
Nikasha Touch stone
Mallikaadi Jasmine flower and the like
Chitra A painting
Thalleykana To paint or picture
Japakusuma Hibiscus flowers
Dhamsha To bite
Jalabhanda A dam

Hamsapaksha hastha viniyoga

“Shat sankyaayaam setubanday nakaray kaanganaythathaa

Pidhanay hamsapakshoyam kathitho bharatagamay”

Mudras Meaning
Shat sankya Denoting number six
Setubanda Construction of a bridge
Nakaray kaanganam Putting nail mark
Pidhaana To cover or hide

Sandhamsham hastha viniyoga

“Udharay bhalidhaanaycha vranay keetay mahaabhayeh

Archanay panchasankhyaayaam sandamshaakyoni yujyathe”

Mudras Meaning
Udhara Stomach
Bhalidhaana Offering to dieties
Varna A wound
Keeta Worms
Mahaabhaya Great fear
Archana Worship
Panchasankhyam To denote number five
Mukula Hastha Viniyoga

“Kumudhay bhoojanay pancha bhaanay mudraadi dhaaranay

Naabhaycha kadaleepushpay yujyathay mukula karaha”

Mudras Meaning
Kumudhay Water lily
Bhoojana To eat
Pancha bhaana Five flower arrows of manmatha
Mudhraadi dharana Tatoo
Nabhi Navel
Kadaleepushpa Plantain flower

Tamrachooda Hasta Viniyoga

“Kukkutaadhay bhaaky kakey ushtray vatsay cha lekhanay

Yujyathay thaamrachiidaakyo karo bharathavedibhee”

Mudras Meaning
Kukkuta Cock
Bhaka Crane
Kaakaa Crow
Ushtra Camel
Vathsa Calf
Lekhanam Writing instrument

Trishula Hasta Viniyoga

“ Bilvapathray trithvayukthay trishulakaraka yeerithaha”

Mudras Meaning
Bilvapathram Bilva leaves
Trithvayukhtam Denoting tinity

Q. Name few Folk Dances of India

Ans. Folk dance is the symbol of rural tradition, their religion, inspiration and unity. ‘Dheshi Nritya’, is
the word which has been used in Classical text for Folk dances. There are a number of Folk dances in our
country. They are very captivating because of their rhythm, uniqueness and colourful dresses. These
Folk-dance costumes and makeup follow in accordance with local customs.
Some of the Folk dances are as follows:

1. Kerala – Paddeni (Padayani) / Oppana

2. Tamil Nadu - Karagattam
3. Karnataka - Yakshagana
4. Rajasthan – Ghoomar
5. West Bengal - Kirtan Dance
6. Andhra Pradesh - Kolanalu
7. Gujarat – Garba / Dandiya Raas 8. Uttarakhand - Pandav Nritya
9. Punjab – Bhangra
10. Assam – Bihu

Q. Knowledge of Devatta Hastha and Dashavatara Hasthas

Devatta Hastha
1. Brahma Hastha
2. Shiva Hastha
3. Vishnu Hastha
4. Saraswathi Hastha
5. Parvati Hastha
6. Lakshmi Hastha
7. Vinayaka Hastha
8. Shanmukha Hastha
9. Manmatha Hastha
10. Indra Hastha
11. Agni Hastha
12. Yama Hastha
13. Nriti Hastha
14. Varuna Hastha
15. Vaayu Hastha
16. Kubera Hastha

Dashavatara Hasthas
1. Matsya Avathara Hastha
2. Kurma Avathara Hastha
3. Varaha Avathara Hastha
4. Narasimha Avathara Hastha
5. Vamana Avathara Hastha
6. Parashurma Avathara Hastha
7. Ramachandra Avathara Hastha
8. Balarama Avathara Hastha
9. Krishna Avathara Hastha
10. Kalkya Avathara Hastha
Q. Explain Kinkini, Pushpanjali, Patraprana and natyakramashlokas.

Kinkini Lakshana

Shloka: Suswarascha Swaroopcha

Sukshma Nakshatra Devatha
Kinkinya Kaamsyarachitha
Ekai Kaanguli Kaantharam
Bhadniyaa Neelasoothrena
Granthibischa Dridampunah
Shathadwayam Shatamvaapi
Paadayor Naatya Karini

Meaning: Well shaped enchanting sound bells signs of presiding star deities tiny bells placed at a
distance apart bells tied properly with rope. Such 100 or 200 bells are to be worn by the dancer.

Pushpanjali

Shloka: Vignaanaam Naashanam Karthum

Bhoothanaam Raksha Naayacha
Devaanaaam Thushtaye Chaapi
Preksha Kanaam Vibhutaye
Shreyasenaya Kasyatra
Patra Samrakshnayacha
Aachaarya Shiksha Sidhyartum
Pushpanjalim Adhara Bhed

Meaning: To destroy the obstacles, to protect the living being, to please the gods, to bring prosperity to
the spectators, for the safety of the dance hall, for the protection of the dancers, for the success of
training given by guru, I now begin the offering of flowers (Pushpanjali).

Paatrapana

Shloka: Javaha Sthiratwam Rekha Cha

Bhramari Drishti Shramaha
Medha Shraddha Vacho Geetham
Paatra Praana Dasha Smruthaha
Evam Videna Paatrena
Nrithyam Kaaryam Vidhaanathaha

Meaning:
i. Javaha- Agility: Ability to change the postures rapidly without losing the body balance.
ii. Sthiratwam- Steadiness: Ability to maintain the postures while dancing or fast.
iii. Rekha cha- Graceful Lines: Every movement shall be done in such a way that the weight of the body is
perfectly balanced to get the Tribhangi.
iv. Bhramari- Balanced circular movements circling movements steadily. v. Drishti- Glancing eyes:
Glancing eyes are very important in a dance
performance.
vi. Shramaha- Hard work/endurance: Regular practice that builds in
confidence, hope that pursue you to perfection.
vii. Medha- Intelligence: A dancer should be clever, courteous in behavior.
viii. Shraddha- Devotion and concentration: Paying attention and staying focused is the most important
factor as performing a dance.
ix. Vacho- Good Speech: The dancer should have the ability of giving good and clear speech.
x. Geetham- Ability to sing and understand music: The dancer should be able to understand music and
also should have the ability to sing.

Naatyakarma Shloka

Shloka: Yatho Hastha, Thatho Drishti

Yatho Drishti, Thatho Manaha
Yatho Manaha, Thatho Bhavo
Yatho Bhavo, Thatho Rasaha

Meaning: Where the hand goes, there the eyes must follow, Where the eyes go, there the mind must be
applied. Where the mind goes, Bhava arises in the dancer ,When the bhava is present, rasa is aroused in
the audience.

Q. Explain about hasta bhedalakshnaa and Nrittahastas

Hasthaledalakshanaa

Shloka: Athedaaneentu Hasthaanaam

Lakshanam Prochyate Mayaa
Asamyutaah Samyutaashcha
Hasthavedhaa Niroopita

Meaning: The characteristics of hand postures are to be enumerated by me. It is defined to be of two
varieties - non-combined i.e., single and combined.
Nritta Hasthas [Natyashastra]

Shlokas:
Chaturashrou Tatha Udhruthou Tatha Talamukhou Smruthou
Swastikou Viprakeernou Chaapi Araalakatakaamukhou
Aavidhavakrou Soochyaasyou Rechitaavardharechitou
Uthaanavanchitou Chaapi Pallavou Cha Tatha Karou
Nithambaavapi Vijnyeyou Keshabhandhou Tathaivacha
Lathaakyou Cha Tatha Prokthou Karihasthou Tathaivacha
Pakshavanchitakou Chaiva Pakshapradyotakou Tatha
Jneyo Garudapakshou Cha Dandapakshaavatha Param
Uurdhwamandalinou Chaiva Paarshwamandalinou Tatha
Uroomandalinou Chaiva Hyurah Paarshwarthamandalou
Mushtikaswastikou Chaapi Nalini Padmakoshakou
Alapathmolbanou Chaapi Lalithou Valithou Tatha
Chatushastikara Hyethe Naamatobhihita Maya

Nritta Hasthas [Abhinaya Darpana]

Shlokas:
Pataka Swastikagyashcha Dola Hastha Tatha Anjali
Katakavardhanashchaiva Shakata Paarsha Kilakou
Kapittha Shikara Kurmo Hamsasya Alapadmakaha
Triyo Dashai Hasthanam Syunrithasya Pyubayooginaha

Q. Terminologies:

Adavu: It means basic steps or basic unit of particular rhythmic movements, which are the beginning
lesson of Bharatanatyam student. Adavus don’t express any meaning or feelings; it present pleasant
appearance. Adavus are pure Nritta. The postures of the body in adavus is always in aramandi.

Teermana: It is connected with the rhythmic life of Bharatanatyam and representing its most brilliant
bursts of complicated dance. They are rapid flourishes used to punctuate the dance. They correspond in
musical terminology to codes. They are generally end bits, which close section of dance, in rare instance
for purpose of contrast, they may be used at the beginning of dance. But generally, they are used as a
middle peak and concluding climax. Theermanam are the brief string of brilliant Karana.

Jaati: Jaathi are complicated rhythmic patterns tapped out by the feet and ankle bells in unison with or
in counterpoint to the rhythms of accompanying musician. Jaati is expressed by Tamil word Sollukettu or
pattern of sound syllabus. Jaatis are performed in three tempo – 1 st speed, 2nd speed and 3rd speed with
different rhythm pattern involving Chatushra, Tishra, Mishra, Khanda and Sankirnam Jaati and ending in
odd number of muktai adavu. Jatis are rhythmic punctuations of the dance.
Korvai: Different variations of adavus are woven together is known as Korvai.

Pataka Viniyoga: Pataka Hastha Viniyoga explain about the usages of Pataka Hastha.

“Natyarambhe Varivahe Vane Vanevashtunishedhane

Kuchsthale Nishayamcha Nadhyam Amaramandale
Thurange Kandane Vayou Shayane Gamanyodhyame
Pratapecha Prasadecha Chandrikayam Ganadhape
Kavatapaatane Sapthavibhaktyarthe Tharangake
Veedhi Praveshbhaavepi Samatvecha Angaragake
Aatmaarthe Shapatechaapi Thooshnimbhaavnidarshane
Thalapatrecha Ketecha Draviyadhisparshanethatha
Aashirvaadhakriyamyamcha Nripashreshtsyabhavane
Thatrathatrethivachane Sindaouthu Sukrathikrame
Sambhodane Purogepi Katgharupasyadharane
Maase Samvatsare Varshadine Samharjanethatha
Evamartheshu yujyathe pathaka hastha bhavane”

Chaturashram: Chaturashram is the first mudra of Nritta Hastha according to natyashastra.

From the Chest on 8 Angula distance stretching shoulder and elbow with equal height to the front and
hold katakamukha mudra is Chaturashram

Lakshanam of Chaturashram

“Vakshasoshtaangulasthou Thu
Prankhmukhou Katakaamukhou
Samaanakoorpparamsou Thu
Chaturasrou Prakeerthithou”

Vakshasam means Chest

Ashtangulam means 8 angula distance
Pranmukhow means to the front
Katakaamukhow means mudra
Samaana Koorparamsow - the elbow and the shoulder should be equal
That hastha is called as Chaturashram

Anudrutam: Having one beat with a duration of one akshara kala and its symbol is ‘U’.
Kapittam:

Lakshanam of Kapitham:

Asyaaiva Shikaraakhyasyaha
Aangushtta Kanipidhitha
Yadha Pradeshini Vakra
Sa Kapitha Hasthatha Samrutha

Bending the fore-finger of the shikara pose and placing it over the thumb in a pressing position to form
kapitha pose.

Nritta: Nritta means pure dance. It always reflected the mood bhava and rasa underlying the
compositions sun for dance. It is important for its pure beauty. This division of dance does not evoke
much facial expression. Footwork is given prominence in this. Abhinaya Darpana defines Nrittas bodily
movements without evoking rasa bhava.
Nritta consists of ‘Adavus’ (the basic dance unit is called Adavu). ‘Karanas’ (the dance units,
which are formed by the combines movements of the hands and feet), ‘Korvai’ (the adavus when
combined into a sequence are called Korvais), and the Hasthas. The pure dance numbers in
Bharatanatyam are – Alarippu, Jatiswaram, Thillana.

Natya: Natya means abhinaya and it is the combined manifestation of bhava, rasa and abhinaya. The
term Natya is derived from the root ‘Nat’ meaning movement and to mean to dancer or act. It can also
be considered as the combination of literature, music, and drama.
In natya, along with the use of the spoken word, the expression, mime and action, dance and
movements, the element of drama is involved, Natya means pure drama. In natya, the most frequently
used abhinaya is vachikabhinaya. In natya the performance is accompanied by dialogue delivery for
most of the time. Kathakali is the best example of natya. In Bharatanatyam there are Natyas of varied
types composed by the big gurus. There are Natya composition like Ramayana, Mahabharatha etc.

Nritya: Nritya consists of footwork and Abhinaya. It related to rasa and bhava. Angika abhinaya relating
to hastha, eyes, eyebrows, lips etc are very important in Nritya. It can be considered as the miming
aspect of dance.
In nritya meaning is conveyed through stylized hand gestures, facial expressions, mime and
action, these in turn augment the emotions and sentiments conveyed by the dancer. Thus, Nritya is a
beautiful fusion of all the elements i.e. hand gestures, facial expressions, mime and action together
constituting a form of Nritya.
The items in Bharatanatyam are: Shabdam, Padam, Javali, Varnam etc.