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A CULTURAL STUDY OF THE NISITHA CURNI
“painted walls” in the houses is attested by the contemporary literature, A contemporary Jaina story called “Domuha's tale" describes a guild of craftsman painting a hall in the royal palace with beautiful paintings. They were rewarded with gifts of raiments and other presents after the completion of their work.2 Kalidasa frequently refers to the palaces decorated with paintings ( sacitrah prasadaḥ, sadmasu citravatsu ).' Bāņa also shows a group of painters painting auspicious scenes on the walls of palace on the occasion of Rajyasri's marriage. Mention has also been made of the female figures painted in such paintings. It perhaps indicates towards the practice of carving 'citra-putrikas' in the royal palaces. 6
Paintings were also made on wood, clay, plaster, books and clothes.' Single-coloured paintings as well as multi-coloured paintings having five colours were known.. Bāņa also displays his knowledge of the five elementary colours,' and mentions a specific term varṇasamkara for mixing the various colours... It is evident that the art of painting was well-known to the people, although no further details can be judged from the text.
Music • Music was popular amongst all the sections of society. It formed an integral part of the social and religious functions.
1. Meyer, J. H., Hindu Tales, p. 174. 2. Ibid., p. 139. 3. Malavikāgnimitra, 1. 17; Raghuvanía, XIV. 15, 25; see also-Upadh
yay, B, S., India in Kälidāsa, p. 231. 4. Harsacarita, p. 124. 5. 377 1976ferti FAT 255f05HT—NC. 2, p. 17. 6. Harsacarita, p. 165. 7. Cari ile zaifa, grahy a araty te, fapor aflNC. 3, p.
349. 8. fazlafani taqrufe-NC. 2, p. 327. 9. Kadambari, p. 143. 10. Ibid., p. 10.
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