😊 FACIAL MUDRAS — मुखमुद्राः
Facial Expression Gestures in Classical Dance
Sources: Natyashastra Ch. 24 · Abhinaya Darpana · Bharatanatyam tradition
ABOUT FACIAL MUDRAS (MUKHAJA)
In classical Indian dance, facial expression is as important as hand gestures. The Natyashastra describes Sattvik Abhinaya — the internal emotional states that manifest spontaneously on the face. While hand mudras communicate actions and symbols, facial mudras communicate the inner quality (guna) of a character or moment.
THE TWO PRIMARY FACIAL QUALITIES
Sāttvika (Sattvik)
Formation
Natural, serene expression — eyes soft, jaw relaxed, slight upward curve of lips
Viniyoga (Usage)
Depicting divine beings, sages, enlightened characters; conveys inner peace and spiritual presence
Rājasika (Rajasik)
Formation
Animated expression — raised brows, wide eyes, mobile features conveying activity
Viniyoga (Usage)
Depicting kings, warriors, active characters; conveys power, passion, worldly engagement
NAVA RASA — 9 EMOTIONAL STATES
Shringara
श्रृंगार
Love/Beauty
Hasya
हास्य
Joy/Laughter
Karuna
करुण
Sorrow/Compassion
Raudra
रौद्र
Fury/Anger
Vira
वीर
Heroism
Bhayanaka
भयानक
Terror/Fear
Bibhatsa
बीभत्स
Disgust
Adbhuta
अद्भुत
Wonder/Amazement
Shanta
शान्त
Serenity/Peace