Hastha Prayogaah

This book is based on the ancient Indian text-‘Abhinayadarpanam’ and illustrates the varied usages of the hasthas with special reference to the Asamyutha (single hand gestures) and the Samyutha (double hand gestures) and their applications known as Viniyogas (the vocabulary of dance gestures). The Viniyogas form the essential grammar for the dance and constitute an essential aspect of Bharatanatyam. Permutations and combinations of Mudras (gestures) combined with the artist’s own skill can depict and interpret any idea one desires. This is an essential means of communication for the dancer. ‘HASTHA PRAYOGAAH’ lays out its content as original Sanskrit slokas, corresponding English pronunciations, word-by-word meaning and a detailed photographic guide to performing the gestures. More than 1070 colour photographs take the reader through the nuances of using the hand gestures. The book is divided as three sections–the single hand gestures, double hand gestures and a special section on simple choreography interpretations. The Audio and Video Support Materials, which constitute an essential part of the training envisaged for this book, are available in the form of Audio CDs and Video DVDs. Each follows the same format as the book and is completely self-explanatory. Jayalakshmi Eshwar, a renowned exponent of the dance form, has designed a book that would be accessible and valuable for the dance student, young professional and teacher of the Bharatanatyam dance form.