[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Polity, law and society](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity) › [The World of Courtesans](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973) › c4.53 # The World of Courtesans c4.53 The World of Courtesans c4.53 - **Language:** English ### [c4.53](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.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. - [Previous: c4.52](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c4.52) - [Next: c4.54](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c4.54) - [Up: c4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c4) ## Linked texts (1) - [Mahābhārata](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.mahabharata.vyasa.1.134) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c4.53](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c4.53) · Pramāṇa