In Hasthalakshanadeepika, the classical treatise on dances, 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.

Holding four fingers straight and the thumb touching the bottom of the ring finger is Pallava.

Some signs shown in the Pallava mode using both palms indicate :
Weapon made of diamond, hilltop, cow, ear, length of the eye, buffalo, spear, horns of animals and all around.

One palm indicates :
Distance, pawning, smoke, tail, a sentry’s staff and rare food grains.