World Of Jainism

Author(s): Vishwanath Pandey
Publisher: Vishwanath Pandey

Page 40

THE ORIENT
costly ornaments is sign of the people's prevailing mood to use luxury goods and articles (op. cit., 41). Rich people lavishly dressed themselves, with valuable clothes and put on gems and jewels on their bodies, as they thought they appeared thereby more charming and attractive (Aradhana Kathakosa, part Il p. 46). Queens and princesses went further and did not spare anything in dressing and decorating themselves as best as they could just befitting their status (Punyasravakathakosa, p. 65). Ordinary people did not bother much and made no fuss about this but pulled on within their own limits.
Games and Amusements
People took holiday from business and occupational activities with a view to removing fatigue and refreshing themselves employing various types of diversion which promised! and provided pleasures and amusements. Gambling (Punyasravakathkosa, p. 83), seeing drama (op. cit. p. 197), riding (op. cit. p. 126), playing chess, singing, swimming (op. cit. p. 107) celebration of spring festivities, and dancing are some of the many pastimes, which the people in those days took to for the sake of pleasure. Educated people removed their fatigue by taking an escape into reading, writing, teaching, holding seminars and debates. Those who had no moral scruples and religious inhibitions used hunting as a kill-joy (op. cit. p. 19). Conferences, conversations and talks in which only the elite participated were organized for the pleasure of the kings and princes. Exhibitions of various arts and handicrafts sometimes did the job. Testing intelligence through riddles and puzzles also afforded pleasure, entertainment and enlightenment (Aradhana Kathakosa, part III pp. 176-77). While giving his judgement in a particular disputed cose the king utilized the occasion also for his mental delight and relief (Do Hajar Varsha Purani Gahanian, by Dr. Jaina, p. 63).
Maintenance has always been a matter of prime concern: for the whole mankind since the beginning of Time. In accordance with the prevailing times and conditions, it has sou to devise ways and means to secure livelihood. Jain story literature generally refers to many a means to eke out one's: own livelihood, to name a few of them, agriculture, education, trade and business, arts and architecture, handicrafts, industries, arms and ammunitions, service, etc. (Adipuranamen Pratipadita Bharata by Dr. Jain, p. 337).
Kingship and Bureaucracy
The Jaina story literature is literally littered with references to kings, monarchs and sovereign rulers. Much has been said regarding their rule and administration, wars, battles, border clashes and skirmishes. Warrior's acts of bravery,