The World of Courtesans c4.53

c4.53

*Samaja* in the *Mahabharata*, I. 134 etc. means a sort of tournament. Dhritarashtra with the concurrence of Drona announced a *samaja* for which the ground was cleared, a *bali* offered and a theatre (*prekshagara*) raised by the royal architects. The people provided for their own galleries and pavilions. Dhritarashtra attended the show accompanied by men and women. There was *bali* and music before the tournament began. A *samaja* was also arranged at the time of Draupadi's *svayamvara*. The *samaja* ground itself was a colourful affair, with walls, moats, doors and arched gateways. There were actors, dancers and musical instruments and the place was perfumed. The princes occupied *manchas*. The *samaja* is said to have continued for sixteen days.