In Hasthalakshanadeepika, the classic text on dances of Kerala, there are mentioned twenty-four basic mudras or hand signs. These Mudras are used in the classical dance dramas of Kerala, like Kathakali, Kutiyattam, Nangiarkoothu, Mohiniyattam and Ottanthullal.

Folding all the four fingers inside the palm and placing the thumb over the index finger is Mushti.

Mushti using both palms indicates :
A charioteer, boom, beauty, blessing, bondage, merit, sit down, (iron) nail, pull, ornamental fan, killer, mud, medicine, curse, swing, gift, circumambulation, digging, abandon, spear, hot, spread and child birth.

Mushti using one palm represents:
Without purpose, highly, affront, minister, transgress, endure, gift, consent, victory, the bow, we, one, old age, divide and food.