Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 410

Sec. VI]
STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SUTRA
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In connection with the topic Amusement' in the eighth section of the fourth chapter, it has already been pointed out that the dance-dramas were performed generally by the actresses, highly accomplished in the art of music, dance and dramatic skill, at the palace and public theatre hall for the social entertainment of the people.
Vocal music was accompained by the playing of musical instruments, such as Mrdanga and Viņā, etc.
In relation to the instrumental music (vadita) the BhS. provides a list of instruments, viz. sankha (conch). singa (horn), laghu sankha (small conch), kharamukhi (kāhalā), poyā (large kharamukhi), paripiriya (khuvai) panava (bhanda pataha) pataha (dhola, a kind of drum), bambha (nagārā) horaṁbha (rūḍhigamayā, a kind of drum), bheri (mahaḍhakka, large drum), jhallarī, dundubhi (a kind of drum), tayāņi (tatāni, a kind of stringed instrument), vitatāni (a stretched musical instrument), ghaṇāni (concussion instrument), jhuşira (wind instrument)', mrdanga (drum), viņa (a stringed instrument), and vamś (flute).'
The sublimation of the art of singing and dancing was made by the Ajivikas for creating probably a devotional feeling towards their religion, as is evidenced by the fact that there is the mention of Gitamarga and Nrtyamarga, as the two spiritual paths of Ajivikism. Moreover, Gośāla Mańkhaliputra himself sang and danced before his death by pronouncing thus, "play the vina O little man."5"
These evidences clearly show that the art of music, dance and drama occupied an important place in the educational and social life of the people of that period.
A similar account of the art of music, dance and drama as presented in this canonical work is also found in other Jaina texts.
•
1 Bhs, 5, 4, 185.
Ib, 9, 33, 383; 11, 11, 429,
3 Ib, 9, 33, 385; 15, 1, 555.
4
Ib, 15, 1, 555. 5 Ib, 15, 1, 55.
6 Anuyogadvāra Sutra, 127; Sthanaiga Sutra, 7,553; JivaTika. 3. p. 193; Cf. Anu. Cù, p. 175; also refer to Saranga. deva's Sangita-Ratnakara, Ch. 1, etc.
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