Age of the Nandas and Mauryas c9.s32.1

c9.s32.1

Nearchus testifies to the ingenuity of Indians in works of art by citing their facility in the imitation of the sponges, curry-combs, oil-flasks and such other articles which they saw the Greeks using. Cloth was used for writing on. Copper was used fused but not wrought, with the result that vessels broke like earthenware if they fell to the ground. Prostration before kings and noblemen was unknown; only hands were raised in salutation⁴. According to one of Strabo's sources, it was a great occasion when the king washed his hair, and the courtiers vied with each other in sending costly presents; this seems to be a reference to the *abhisheka* of the king soon after his accession. In the processions at festivals many elephants adorned with gold and silver were in the train, as well as four-horsed chariots and ox-waggons. There followed hosts of attendants in holiday attire carrying basins, goblets and other vessels of silver and gold some of them set with precious gems. Animals and birds also formed a feature. Kleitrachus mentioned four wheeled carriages carrying whole trees from which were suspended cages with tame birds of bright plumage and fine song.¹