Mutually clap with both hands is called, which type of Kriya?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 2:
The question refers to one of the fundamental physical actions, or *Kriyas*, used to keep time in the ancient and classical Indian rhythmic system (*Taala*). The term for mutually clapping with both hands is **Sannipat**. Sannipat is classified as a *Shashabda Kriya*, which means it is an action that produces sound (a clap). This action is used to denote a specific beat, usually a significant one, within the rhythmic cycle. Understanding these *Kriyas*—Dhruva, Sannipat, Aavap, and Nishkram—is essential for grasping the structure of *Taala* as described in ancient musicological texts like the *Natyashastra*, where they serve as the physical markers for various rhythmic units.

The incorrect option is 1:
**Dhruva** is categorized as a *Nihshabda Kriya*, which means an action without sound. In the context of *Taala Kriya*, Dhruva is marked by simply keeping the hand steady and still, with the palm usually facing down, for the duration of one beat. It is a moment of stillness that marks a rhythmic unit but crucially involves no movement of mutual striking or clapping. Therefore, it does not produce the sound described in the question.

The incorrect option is 3:
**Aavap** is also a *Nihshabda Kriya* (non-sounding action) and is defined by a specific hand movement that is not clapping. It involves raising the hand and turning the palm upwards while moving the hand slightly inward, towards the center of the body. This gesture symbolizes the beginning or the intake of a rhythmic segment. As it is non-sounding and does not involve the mutual striking of two hands, it is not the correct answer for the described action.

The incorrect option is 4:
**Nishkram** is another key component of the *Taala Kriya* system, but it is classified as a *Nihshabda Kriya*. This action involves a motion opposite to Aavap: the hand is moved downwards and outwards, with the palm facing down or away from the body, signifying the completion or release of a segment. Like Dhruva and Aavap, Nishkram is a silent, single-hand gesture used to delineate time units and is thus distinct from the mutual clapping action of Sannipat.