Social Life in Ancient India: Studies in Vatsyayana's Kamasutra c8.s5.1

c8.s5.1

Besides the various sports and amusements that enlivened the daily life of the *nāgaraka*, there were many high days and holidays when he made merry with his friends and companions. With regard to all these games and festivities enjoyed in company, Vātsyāyana gives the sage advice that they can be relished best in the company of friends of the same social status, but not with those that are either above or below one, because permanent good relations and mutual understanding can only be established when each party in a sport seeks to afford pleasure to the other and where each is honoured and respected by the other.¹