Social Life in Ancient India: Studies in Vatsyayana's Kamasutra c8.s7.t2.8

c8.s7.t2.8

Vātsyāyana speaks also of the *ākhyānaka paṭa*¹ which is evidently a roll of canvas containing the representation of a short story in several scenes like the *yamapaṭa* which was spread by a spy of Cāṇakya before the people in Candanadāsa's house and was exhibited by him with songs;² we may add that the direct descendant of this *yamapaṭa* may still be seen in the villages of Bengal. Balls with various designs painted on them in a variety of colours, as also water jugs of various elegant shapes with many paintings, are mentioned by Vātsyāyana as welcome presents to a maiden whose favours one is courting.³ The *Lalitavistara* mentions a similar plaything for children, viz., jugs beautifully painted on the outside but containing valueless things within.⁴