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At that time, the entire Bhārata-yar a (the Indian Peninsulā ) was under the sovereignty of King Nanda IX (Navama Nanda.). His capital city Patalîputra was very beautiful. The king had an extra-ordinarily intelligent prime-minister named Sakaļāla. This Šakaļāla had a wife named Lakşmivatî, two clever sons named Srîyaka and Sthūla-bhadra, and seven daughters named i Yaksā 2 Yakşa-dattā 3 Bhūtā 4 Bhūtadattā 5 Sénā 6 Véņā and 7 Réņā.
Śakaļāla, being very wise and shrewd in the observance of his obligations, was the right-hand man of the king. No administrative work was done without his advice. Like the sons of a lion, both the sons of Sakaļāla, were equally competent. Śrîyaka was specially appointed as a faithful body-guard of King Nanda IX.
An exquisitely handsome courtezan named Kośā, was enhancing the beautify of the town. The palatial building of Kośā had spread the fame of the town of Pătalîputra in all directions. Numerous travellers used to come to Pătaliputra for the purpose of having a look at the charming face of Kośā. In olden times, it was believed that courtezan females had a monopoly of wisdom. No one attempted to compete with her in dancing and singing. Highly pious ascetics even, were defeated by her bewitching eyes. Highly-bred princes and sons of millionairs were coming to her for learning moral discipline and wisdom. Kośā had such a wide reputation that no one was considered as competent without receiving her tution. She was considered so clever in dancing that after seeing her dance, people were slow in regaining their control over their senses. Kośā had a very handsome appearance coupled with her skill. When she let loose her braid of hair, her hair gave one impression o. the King of Serpents, Her hands resembled a pod of lotus. The eyes of a deer seemed dim before her bright eyes.
Śakaļāla also sent his elder son Sthūlabhadra to Kośā's
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