Age of the Nandas and Mauryas c12.s13.t9.1

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.