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SOCIAL CONDITIONS
373 reveals that prince Harişeņa sported with an agitated elephant of Sindhunadanagara. He challenged the elephant who while moving his trunk to and fro ran towards him. Harişeņa without missing a single moment climbed over his tusks and sported with him in many ways, clapping his hands together. No sooner was the elephant subdued, he caught hold of his ears and rode over his back. His dexterity was hailed by the public and the king of that town was so much pleased with him that the former offered many girls to him in marriage (8. 168-182). Princes are found to be usually taking delight in challenging such elephants. Rāvana on observing a great elephant in the valley of Sammeta parvata blew his conch and challanged him for a fight. As soon as the elephant ran towards him he took off his Uttariya and threw it before the elephant who got entangled with that cloth and started striking it with his tusks, bending on the ground. When the elephant was engaged in tearing away the Uttariya to pieces, Rāvana struck his temples with his hands. Thus sporting with him he caused him to move in circulations for many times and ultimately when the elephant was overpowered. Rāvaņa climbed over his back and brought hin under his control. The seizing of this elephant, named Tribhuvanāla kāra was celebrated by beating the drums and playing upon other musical instruments (8. 214-224).
It was the hobby of some kings to go to the forest for seizing elephants. Thus king Vajrajargha of Pondariyapura is said to have seized many elephants (94. 103). Janaka's readiness in attempting to seize an elephant (28. 31-34) indicates the fondness of the kings in this noble sport.
Horse-riding was also a pastime of the princes. Sometimes they lost control over the horses because they were so turbulent and the princes were led away in forests by these turbulent horses (5.73;28.34; 116.3). Kings had special interest in subduing the turbulent horses (28.27-28) also.
Hunting :-Kings and princes drived pleasure in hunting and shooting the birds. King Vajrakarņa of Daśapura is described as wandering in the forest for this purpose and he is called 'pāraddhifandio' (hunter-33.30).
B. Indoor-Games.
Dice :-Dice-playing was a very popular game and Gapikas (courtezans) and Veśyās (prostitutes) encouraged this game in their houses. Purohita Satyavādin's theft was caught while he was playing
