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We mentioned earlier that the sign language that we are employing in our everyday life is the basis for devising various Mudras that are expounded by different slokas of Abhinaya Dharpan. Nandhikeswara has used this entire body as a tool to express various situations and emotions, with specific movements of head, eyebrow, neck, shoulders, chest and thighs. Each and every limb right from the head to the foot has its own position and role to play in expressions. We will limit ourselves to the head and the foot for the present. (See illustrations)
There are nine different positions and movements as far as the head is concerned. Head held in balance, looking upwards, looking downwards, circling it from left to right are a few of them.
 The Abhinaya Dharpan speak of foot movements as well. An understanding of footwork detailed in the book would help the audience appreciate the nuances and the finesse and would enrich the enjoyment of the art of Natya. This would serve as a dictionary in understanding it. There are ten different positions of the legs.
Krishangini - Neeraja Nagarajan
Translated by Hari Krishnan
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