pataka

Pataka is a Sanskrit word that translates to "flag" or "banner." In ancient Indian culture, it held symbolic significance, often representing a banner of victory or a royal standard. The term could also refer to a pennant or a streamer. Beyond its literal meaning, pataka was sometimes used metaphorically to denote a sign or indication of something.

In the context of Indian classical dance, particularly Bharatanatyam, pataka is one of the 28 basic hand gestures known as *mudras*. This particular mudra is formed by extending all fingers of the hand together, keeping them straight and slightly apart, with the thumb folded inwards. The pataka mudra is used to represent various concepts, including a flag, a forest, a mountain, a river, and even the act of striking or hitting. Its versatility makes it a fundamental mudra for conveying a wide range of meanings and actions within the narrative of a dance performance. The visual representation of a flag or banner aligns with its literal translation, while its broader application in dance allows for a more abstract and symbolic communication of ideas.