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258
STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SUTRA
[Ch. IV
his bath. It clearly shows that a special care was taken by the kings of those days in physical culture to keep themselves healthy, strong and active in order to carry on their duties of the daily life without falling victims to diseases.
There is also an indirect reference to wrestling as a part of sports, made in connection with the greetings of the people of Ksatriyakunḍagrama to prince Jamali on his way to the Bahusalaku Caitya to undertake the state of houselessness after getting initiated by Lord Mahavira.1
They paid him their spontaneous ovations by addressing him thus: "Kill the wrestler-like attachment and jealousy by austerity in the midst of perfection"".
Amusements
Besides these sports, the people of that period used to entertain themselves with various kinds of individual and social amusements on different occasions, such as, birth-ceremony, marriage, etc.
It has already been mentioned in connection with the topic 'Birth and its celebration' in the fourth section of this chapter that the birthday of the prince Mahabala became a public holiday of festivity for all the citizens of Hastināpura. It was celebrated for ten days with various kinds of amusements and social entertainments, such as, songs and dances and was made delightful and sportive together with the peoples of the city and of the country side.
Similarly the marriage ceremony of the same prince was accompanied by both vocal and instrumental music which solemnized the occasion and created an atmosphere of joy and happiness for all the people attending this function.
For the continuation of a happy life of the young married couple in cheerful surroundings they were provided with the best actors and dancers together with the composed dramas etc."
8.4 Ib, 11, 11, 429,
1. BhS, 9, 33, 385. 6, 16, 11, 11, 430.
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