Asamyuta Hastas

 

Asamyuta Hastas (Single Handed Gestures)

Asamyuta Hastas refers to single-hand gestures used in classical Indian dance forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, and Kathak. "Hasta" means hand, and "Asamyuta" means unjoined or single. In contrast to Samyuta Hastas, which involve both hands working together, Asamyuta Hastas are performed with one hand at a time.

These hand gestures play a crucial role in Indian classical dance, as they are used to convey a wide range of meanings, emotions, and characters in the performance. Each Asamyuta Hasta has a specific name and symbolic significance, and dancers are trained to master their precise execution and interpretation. Asamyuta Hastas are often combined with facial expressions, body movements, and footwork to create a cohesive and expressive dance narrative.

"Abhinaya Darpana Asamyuta Hastas" refers to the single-hand gestures described in the "Abhinaya Darpana," which is a classic Sanskrit text on the art of Indian classical dance and drama. The "Abhinaya Darpana" is attributed to Nandikeshvara, believed to have lived between the 1st century BCE and the 3rd century CE.

These are 24 according to Bharta Muni's "NatyaShastra" and 28 as per Nandikeshwara's "Abhinaya Darpana".

Abhinaya Darpana Asamyuta Hasatalu  (Slokam)

Patakastripatakordha patakaha kartari mukaha |

Mayirakhardhachandra chapyaralaha Sukatundakaha ||

Mustischa sikharakhayscha kapitaha katakamukaha |

suchi chandrakala padmakosaha sarpasirasthada ||

mrugasirshaha simhamukaha kangula chalapadmakaha |

chaturo bhramaraschaiva hamsasyo hamsapakshakaha ||

samdamso mukulaschaiva tamra chudaha trishulakaha |

Ityasamyuta hastanam astavinshati riritah ||

Meaning:

Last line :

Iti + asamyuta hastanam = In this way, Asamyutha hastas are

Astavimshati =  28

The 28 hastas are named in the remaining lines of the sloka:

1. patakam     (Flag)

2. Tripatakam    ()

3.Arthapatakam   

4.Kartari mukham

5. Mayuram   

6. Ardha Chandram   

7. Aralam   

8. Sukhatundam

9. Musti   

10.Sikharam   

11. Kapitam   

12.Katakamukham

13. Suchi   

14.Chandra Kala   

15. Padma kosam

16. Sarpa seersham   

17. Mruga seersham   

18. Simha Mukham

19. Kangulam   

20.Ala padmakam   

21. Chaturam

22. Bharamaram   

23. Hamsasyam   

24. Hamsapakshakam

25. Samdamsam   

26.Mukulam   

27. Tamrachudam

28. Trishulam

Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMVLNmQO6bM