The World of Courtesans c13.33

c13.33

Water sport (*salila-krida*) was very popular in summer. Then the trees were denuded of leaves, the water had dried up and both men and women suffered terribly on account of the heat. The king chose a *vapi* separated on the water front of a river or a bank The *vapi* was square in form and provided with steps, an enclosure with a white painted house, canvas screens or simply rows of trees. It was filled with water lifted by the Persian wheel or by manual labour. It was provided also with fish and aquatic birds. Accompanied by his harem women and by courtesans clad in white garments, the king entered the *vapi*. He dallied with them for some time and threw gold coins and precious stones in the *vapi* to encourage his women to dive and claim them. After the water-sport was over the king and others changed their clothes, The king made them presents of pieces of Chinese silk, flowers, scents and jewelry.