The World of Courtesans c13.28

c13.28

The hill sports (*bhudharakrīda*) were held in the forest planted by the king in which he had built an artificial hill complete with peaks and covered with all kinds of trees. It was provided with an artificial lake and a sandy beach. The king accompanied by his palace women, his courtiers and courtesans entered the forest and climbed the hill. It was a kind of picnic party. The women laughed and played and the king sat under a picturesque tree and gave away gifts to the attendants Then under the shade of a tree or on the bank of a river he dallied with the women. He personally picked up flowers and offered them to the women who sang and danced to please him. Finally he mounted an elephant and returned to the city.