In Hasthalakshanadeepika, the classical Indian treatise on dance, 24 basic Mudras or hand signs are mentioned. These Mudras are used in the classical dance dramas of Kerala, like Kathakali, Kutiyattam, Nangiarkoothu, Mohiniyattam and Ottanthullal.


With index finger bent forward, the thumb touching its mid side with all three fingers curled as in Vardhamanaka is Araala.

Some signs shown in the Araala mode using both palms indicate :
An idiot, tree, a stump, a bud and bamboo stem.