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204
Dvyāśrayakävya
Hunting : It was an important amusement which may be ranked next to gambling (11.86; IV.6; VIII. 13). The hunting was operated through dogs (XVII.9 ; XX.34). Either spear or dogs or the bow and arrows were used to kill an animal from a distant place (111.131). Even wild boars were killed with the help of a dog (10.131). A bow made of the wood of Täla was used to throw arrows (XV.65). On auspicious occasions e.g, on the birth of the son of a king, the hunting was prohibited (XI.36). Kumārapāla, a follower of Jainism laid down restriction on hunting. As a result, the skin of the deer was not available to sages (XX.33). The important amusement for women was to play with a ball (XIX.69). Going to the garden and playing a game called Udyānakrīdā (1.112) or plucking of flowers (XX 1) were popular. Cütabañjikā or plucking of mangos is one of the garden-games (V.66).
Songs were popular with the village-women (111.5,7). Dance on the cropping of the harvest is also referred to (III.5). Like song, dance was also a popular amusement (XI.37 ; Ku. II.69).
(k) Music Many references to the music, its technical aspects and instruments are found in the Dvyāśrayakāvya. The music was popular in the populace also. With their sweet voice, women used to sing songs (1.89). A special type of song called Vakra was sung by women only (XI.42). Female-singers are called Gāthikā (X1.37). The following instruments are referred to in the Dvyāśrayakāvya.
1. Vīņā (111.38). A lute. It is called Vaiņa also (XVI.63).
2. Veņu (III.38). A flute. A special song called Veņugīti is sung witb the help of veņu to express internal feelings (X.38). A Veņu made of the Bilva wood is also referred to (IV.91).
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