Essay name: Hastalaksanadipika a critical edition and study
Author:
E. K. Sudha
Affiliation: Government Sanskrit College (Tripunithura) / Department of Sanskrit
This is an English study on the Hastalaksanadipika—a manual depicting the Mudras (gestures) of the Kerala theatre. It is a very popular text supposedly dating to the 10th century A.D. This study also touches the subject of Krsnanattam, Kathakali and Kutiyattam—some of India's oldest theatrical traditions in Kerala.
Chapter 4 - Hastalaksanadipika—a study
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External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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unique. Apart from the asamyuta and the samyutahastas the HLD mentions samāna and miśramudrās also. It is their taxonomical approach which clearly calls for precise orientation in actually executing the mudrās, in relation to different levels and aspects of the body. The use of specific gesture for prepositions and cases in the theatre of Kerala is basically as suggested by the HLD. A single subject/object can be interpreted by more than one gesture. Mudra for 'of' is shown by Kartarimukha, Sucimukha or Musṭi. Some examples of gestures in combination may be examined. 1. Samānamudra - eg:-Proximity, Time etc. - Kartarimukha (both hands) 2. Misramudra - eg:-Lord Brahma - Kaṭaka (1) + Tripatāka (r), Bāli etc. Mukuḷa (1) + Patāka(r) 112
