The World of Courtesans c6.22

c6.22

Music and dancing (the special preserve of dancing girls) were favourite forms of amusement in ancient India. For that purpose and also for dramatic shows and other forms of amusement, a theatre (*pichchhagharmandavam*) was sometimes erected within the palace compound. It was provided with high columns and *vedika*, and the hall was domed and decorated with flags and bells. It was plastered smoothly both inside and outside; the gates were decorated with *kalashas* and the ceiling with lotus creepers. It was also provided with an arena (*akkhadaga*) in the middle of which was raised a platform. Seats on the eastern side of the arena were provided for the women members of the palace, for the members of the executive on the south-east side, for the members of the middle assembly in the south and for the semi-private advisers on the south-west. Seven seats in a row on the western side were provided for the army commanders, and there were also seats for the guards on all sides.