Pramāṇa · Search · About · API

Age of the Nandas and Mauryas c12.s13.t9: Popular lores

Age of the Nandas and Mauryas c12.s13.t9

Language
English

Popular lores

c12.s13.t9.1

A notice of works of literature, grammar or philosophy does not exhaust the branches of knowledge and lore which prevailed at this time and played an important part in popular life. Other arts and lores are reflected in the Arthaśāstra. Kauṭilya speaks of astrologers and experts in omens, mauhūrtikas and naimittikas (I. 9, 12 ; IV. 4 ; V. 3.), readers of fortune from physical features, Lakṣaṇa (I. 12) and Aṅgavidyā (XIII. 1), magicians and sorcerers (Jambhaka-vidyā, Māyā and Māyā-yoga, I. 12 and IV. 3), snake charmers (Jāṅgalivids), adepts in black magic (kṛtyābhicāraśilas IV. 4, XIV), minstrels (sūtas and māgadhas), oracles (praśna-vidyā), and readers of dreams and birds' voices (svapna-pakshi-vyāhāra, XXIII. 1). The lore of the serpent, (IV. iii. 13) mentioned even in the Upanishads, is noticed by Arrian too.

c12.s13.t9.2

Of more important subjects, Kauṭilya speaks of a highly developed art of healing, producing and counteracting diseases poisons, etc. (XII), maternity and care of the child (I. 17, kumārabhṛtyā and garbhabharman) and of the profession of the doctor, cikitsaka (I. 18). He refers to the lapidary art (II. 2), to the science of agriculture (kṛshitantra, II. 25) and the science of plant-life (vṛkṣāyurveda) and to the astronomical factors favourable for cultivation. He speaks of reading others' minds, perfumer's art, garlanding and shampoo (II. 27). There was an advanced veterinary science pertaining to the elephant and horse (II. 30, 31). Mineral science, dhātu-śāstra, is also mentioned in Kauṭilya (II. 12).

Cites (2)