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Significance of Mushti

Mushti is a term with multiple meanings across different disciplines. In Shilpashastra, it denotes a clenched hand posture for striking and combat. In Natyashastra, it represents a fist gesture for actions like beating or grasping a weapon. From an Ayurvedic perspective, Mushti signifies a fistful measure derived from half Palas, related to quantity. Meanwhile, Vyakarana defines Mushti as something with a specific shape, such as a fist, but not a part of that shape.1
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Synonyms: Fist, Closed hand

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Mushti'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Mushti signifies a clenched hand posture linked to combat, represents a specific shape, symbolizes actions like grasping, and serves as a measure of quantity, reflecting its multifaceted role in cultural practices.

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)

(1) A fistful measure derived from half Palas, indicative of quantity in the hierarchy.[1]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Significance in Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy):
Natyashastra Books

From: Natyashastra (English)

(1) A fist gesture representing actions like beating or grasping a weapon.[2]

Natyashastra refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya—theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).

Significance in Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar):
Vyakarana Books

From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari

(1) A term that denotes something having a particular shape, such as a fist, and not a part of that shape.[3]

Vyakarana refers to Sanskrit grammar and represents one of the six additional sciences (vedanga) to be studied along with the Vedas. Vyakarana concerns itself with the rules of Sanskrit grammar and linguistic analysis in order to establish the correct context of words and sentences.