Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c7.s3.5

c7.s3.5

We have mentioned these facts to emphasize that the amusements and pleasures of the age were strongly influenced by its military characteristics. All the writers emphasize the two aspects of social life which were complementary to one another—the *razm* or warfare and *bazm* or social pleasures. The average respectable man was something of an active soldier, which entailed great exertion. After the fighting was over, he made up for his physical exertion by indulgence in physical pleasures and recreative games.² The common people, whose occupation was anything but exciting, enjoyed themselves with periodical festivals and occasional pilgrimages to religious places.