Indian Art: A History of Indian Art from the Earliest Times up to the Third Century A.D. c13.s3.17

c13.s3.17

The Mathura artists were called upon to reorganise the railing, in which work they displayed much originality, and a broad outlook, mainly introducing a variety of motifs based on female pastimes and sports known as krīḍā-vihāra. It was the popular belief that Indra in heaven enjoyed with his nymphs and this form of pleasure became archetypal for kings on earth. These festive celebrations were ordered by royalty and were comprised of the following items :—1. tree and garden sports (udyāna-krīḍā) ; 2. water sports (udaka-krīḍā) ; 3. adorning the body with unguents, clothes and ornaments (gātra-maṇḍana, including painting minute scroll designs on cheeks, forehead, chin etc., called as viśeṣaka-racanā); 4. drinking wine in company with female companions (āpāna-goṣṭhī); 5. enjoying music to the accompaniment of lute (vaṁśī), flute (vīṇā) and drum (mṛdaṅga); 6. dance (nṛtya) which gave occasion to depict male and female figures in number of poses; and 7. amorous enjoyments (vilāsa or guhavihāra).