9.3. Amusements and Story-telling (in ancient India)

[Full title: Games and Amusements (in ancient India); (3): Amusements]

Story-telling—Besides these popular amusements, story-telling was also a sort of recreation during the time of relaxation. These stories or tales were of various kinds (nanakaha 79.31). In the Jaina literature there are regular references to four kinds of stories They are about women, food, country and king and the monks are prohibited from hearing them (Thana Sec, 282). Welcome-celebrations :-Other occasions of amusements were associated with the return of the victorious kings and princes from war or with the visit of great persons. Return of kings was greeted with the playing of instrumental music. People flocked on roads to have a Darsana of the king, the buildings were decorated with flags and festoons and other artistic strings of pearls and gems (8281-283; 74.33; 76.2; 78.50-51). On such occasions pavilions and arches were raised to welcome them (78.48-52). The welcoming ceremony of Sita performed by king Vajrajangha was celebrated by playing instrumental music and vocal music (95.6). The arrival of monk Rama in the city of Syandanasthali was greeted by the people by performing sports (ukkiliyautkridana) such as dance (naccana), hopping and jumping (vagganai 115.6). Madanotsava -The Paumacariyam mentions that the people of Lanka celebrated the festivity of cupid (mayanussave 70.50) on the

SOCIAL CONDITIONS 375 preceeding night of the final battle with Rama. The Raksasas freely used wine and intoxicated their beloved with it. Thus the intoxicating effect of wine made their wives care free and made their shyness disappear. They took recourse to amorous gestures. Flowers, perfumes, unguents, ointments and aloes as well as betel leaves were profusely used. The occasion was made graceful by the playing of musical instruments (70.51-61) also. Spectacles: The Paumacariyam particularly mentions that the people of the country of Magadha used to delight themselves with the performance of acrobats (nada), dancers (natta), umbrella-players (chatta) and dancers on bamboos (lankhaya). The people were gay and joyous with the dance and music (2. 5 niccamnaccantagiyasaddalo). Music and dance have been separatey dealt under the section of fine arts. Besides these amusements the junctions of the roads of the towns were the sites where various spectacles could be seen (caccaracaukka manaharapecchanayamahantamahuranigghosam 2. 13).