Questions Regarding the Word Mudra: A Preliminary Survey of Gestures on Indian Icons and their Designation

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Fig. 1: The God Śiva
3rd century
India: Uttar Pradesh, Mathura
Buff sandstone
27 in (68.6 cm).

Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

The figure is four-armed, the right front with raised palm, the earliest gesture to appear on iconic objects in India; in addition that hand holds a short string of beads; three other hands hold attributes. Note crescent moon in hair topknot.