Ancient Indian Colonies in the Far East (Vol. I: Champa; Vol. II: Suvarnadvipa) v2.c20.s3.70
Ancient Indian Colonies in the Far East (Vol. I: Champā; Vol. II: Suvarṇadvīpa) v2.c20.s3.70
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v2.c20.s3.70
Quite in keeping with this temper was an annual 'Gladiatorial combat' which is called by the Chinese "Meeting of Bamboo Spears." It was an annual gathering attended by the king and the queen. The combatants, armed with bamboo spears and accompanied by their wives or concubines, formed two ranks. At the sound of drum two men advanced with their lances and commenced fighting. After they were engaged three times, they were separated by their wives. If one was killed in the fight, the king ordered the victor to pay one gold coin to the relations of the deceased whose wife henceforth followed the victor. The Chinese author justly remarks: "Thus they make a game of a deadly fight."¹