Palmistry or the study of hand is an ancient science of knowing the past, present and future of a person. It is a sub section of the vast field of study called Samudrik Shastra, meaning the ocean of knowledge.

It is believed that the science of reading the hand originated in India. It is said in the Puranas that sage Narada practiced this divine art. The monuments of the prehistoric period of the Aryan civilization also confirm that people in the period were aware of the science of palmistry and even practiced it. Hindu sages like Garga, Gautama, Bharadwaja, Agastya, Bhrigu, Atri and Kashyapa propagated this art. Maharshi Valmiki is known to have written the book now titled The Teachings of Valmiki Maharshi on Male Palmistry. It comprises of 567 stanzas, written about 4,.00 to 5,000 years ago. The science slowly spread from this land to China, Tibet, Egypt, Persia and to other countries in Europe. Palmistry came to China .000 years before the birth of Christ and then did well in Greece where Anaxagoras practiced it.

Palmistry does not involve the study of lines on the palm alone, but also includes the study of the shape of hands, fingers, nails, mounts, their patterns and other formations, which appear on the palms and fingers. As all other forms of science, palmistry can also help single out specific problems related to health and mind, thus helping people find permanent solutions to many of their troubles.