The World of Courtesans c5.48

c5.48

As a matter of fact, *samajja* in Buddhist literature connotes not just a particular type of show, but a show in general, consisting of dancing and music, acrobatic performances, bird and animal fights, wrestling etc. and occasionally, eats were distributed. The *Jatakas*, as a matter of fact, give a fairly clear picture of the *samajja*. Parents sent messages to their sons studying in the university towns of Banaras and Takshasila to come home to attend such gatherings which were generally held in the palace court, and the king himself issued a proclamation by the beat of drums inviting people to come and attend the performance. A pavilion (*mandapam*) was set up and a throne (*pallanka*) was set apart for the king. Slaves, women of the harem, courtiers, Brahmans and citizens sat around him. In the courtyard the seats were arranged in circles (*chakkatichakke*) and the benches in rising tiers (*manchati-manche*). Wrestling, archery, ram and elephant fights, and acrobatic feats (*natakam*) formed a part of such gatherings.