Critical Study Of Paumacariyam

SR No.: 022643
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: K R Chandra
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology and Ahimsa
Publication Year: 1970
Total Pages: 672
Language: English, Sanskrit
Classification: Book_English & Book_Devnagari
File Size: 18 MB

Page 652

CONCLUSION
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kinds of persons. Salutes and blessings were expressed to different grades of persons. As a rule people paid obeisance to the monks. Showing hospitality to others was the basic duty of every citizen.
Faith in Supernatural Elements : - People had great faith in astrology, fatalism, prophecies, omens, auguries, dreams, charms and supernatural elements. It was believed that those who commit wrong go to hell and those who perform good deeds attain heaven. Illustrious and great persons were believed to be endowed with supernatural powers. Celestial being and evil spirits were regarded as influencing the day to day life of the people. For acquiring superhuman powers penances were performed and austerities were observed.
Education :- In the field of education boys and girls received almost equal attention. Teachers were held in high esteem and they were suitably rewarded by the parents of the pupils. Sometimes male students went to other places for their further education. Rajagpha, Vyāghrapura and Kusumapura (Patna) are mentioned as famous places of learning. Co-education was not altogether absent. Education was manifold. It consisted of studying of the Vedas and its auxiliaries, Jaina śruta and other laukika Šāstras-science, arts and handicrafts. Writing was fully developed. Astronomy and medical science also seem to be well developed. Vaidyas diagnosed diseases and administered drugs. Preparations of sandal wood were very commonly used for medical purposes, Veterinary science also was known to the people. Surgery was performed generally on the wounded soldiers. Charms and austerities were equally taken help of in curing diseases. Cooking, music and dance were the very common subjects of the female education. The rich information available about the flora and fauna indicates that people had good knowledge of them and they utilised them in their daily life.
Articles of Food :--The main diet of the people was two fold, solid and liquid. Rice was the main food. Barley, various types of pulses and oil seeds were also used as food materials. Spices and fruits were common. Milk preparations, sweets, sugar and honey were also used. Various kinds of tasteful preparations of food were made. Meat eating and taking wines of various kinds were prevalent. The Jainas were prohibited from taking them. Costly utensils were used by the nobles and well-to-do families.
Cloths and Dresses :- Various types of cloths referred to are cotton, woolen and silken. Dyeing and printing was prevalent. The male dress consisted of an (Uttariya) upper garment while the bodice was an