Indian Art: A History of Indian Art from the Earliest Times up to the Third Century A.D. c16.21

c16.21

The small clay cart from Kosam showing a picnic party (goṣṭhī-yāna, 6" × 5") is a unique specimen of its kind. The party consists of six figures, four male and two females, divided into two groups of three each reclining against the sides of the cart. On proper right the first male figure is holding a harp in left hand and a plectrum in right, and next is an amorous couple, the male kissing the lower lip of the female (adhara-cumbana). On the other side is first a reclining male figure and his female friend with her back towards him, and next a male figure looking like a jester, in his dress and expression. In front of the figures is a big dish with eatables including radishes, round cakes and guñjhiyās, and a round jar or container for drinks (surā-ghaṭa) with a lid on it. The cart is richly upholstered with ribbed cushions on the sides. We actually have a reference to *goshṭhī-yāna*, “picnic wagon”, and to red radish being served at the drinking party (*apānaka-madhya-pravishta-raktamūlaka*) in the drama *Mṛichchhakaṭika*.¹