Drawn from two of the most important ancient texts on the subject, the Natya Shastra and the Abhinaya Darpana, this attractive set of user-friendly cards shows the 52 fundamental hand mudras used in Indian dance and theatre. These gestures provide the basis for an entire language of hand articulation. Each card presents a full-colour image of the mudra with Sanskrit name, transliteration and English translation, as well as concise information on origins and applications. The cards are arranged in the traditional order with 28 single-hand and 24 joined-hand gestures, as described in the Abhinaya Darpana. From storytelling to representations of human emotion to spiritual symbolism, hand mudras are one of the most potent and expressive features of Classical Indian Dance.

This card set will enrich the practice of students and teachers of Classical Indian Dance and theatre, and will be invaluable to anyone interested in Indian mudras.