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SPCIAL LIFE AND BOONOMIO CONDITIONS 171 atístry, charioteers and infantry. The mockfights, I calls, marching of troops through the streets, and the like were no doubt enjoyable sights. The seasonal festivals, announced from time to time, were observed. The Samajjās or Samājas afforded occasions for big feasts, musical entertainments, dramas, operas, balladrecitations, improvisation of verses, wrestling, bouting, duels, bull-fights, buffalo-fights, cockfights, and the rest. The remission of taxes and release of prisoners were two of the traditional acts of the king's mercy. The construction of roads and bridges, excavation of tanks, sinking of wells, planting of shade-trees, erection of publio halls, laying out of parks and gardens, maintenance of alms houses, provisions against drought and famine in the shape of public granaries and storehouses were the most notable among the works of social piety. The king was not only the head of the executive but also the supreme administrator of justice and final court of appeal for criminal cases. In peacetime, the Senāpatis, as the king's deputies, functioned as judges." As for the administration of criminal justioe, the best system was one which prevailed anlong the Vajjians, which consisted of several courts, the lowest.being represented by the Vohārikas and the highest
Jätaka, ü, p. 186.
