The World of Courtesans c7.44

c7.44

In Rock Edicts VIII, IX and XI the word *vihalayatam* in the sentence *atikamtam amtalam lajane vihalayatam nama nikhamisu* has been usually translated as "pleasure tours" or "tours of pleasure". This *viharayatra* was not a tour but a trip to a fixed place with the purpose of hunting and enjoying other pleasures of life such as drinking, strolling in the forests in the company of courtesans, gambling and other sports. In *viharayatra* (which is equivalent to the modern *saila*, *jata* and *gotha*) the element of fun, frolic and sport is always predominant; the idea of a journey is simply incidental. This aim of the *viharayatra* is emphasized in the inscription itself—*eta magavya anani cha etarisani abhiramakani ahumsu* (here hunting and other such pleasures were enjoyed). As opposed to this, the *dhammayata* (usually translated as "a religious tour") is nothing more than a socio-religious festival held in accordance with the order of Asoka for the propagation of Dharma. As a matter of fact, the *dharmayatra* of Asoka constituted the following elements: (1) an interview with the Sramanas and Brahmans and old men, (2) an interview with the people of the country with a view to instruct them and question them about *dharma*, (3) the proper treatment of slaves and servants, (4) obedience to parents and giving presents to friends and relatives, and (5) insistence on the non-slaughter of animals. But besides these ethical principles and abstract virtues the *dharmayatra* arranged for the edification of common folk. There was a spectacle of aerial chariots, elephants, masses of fire and other divine representations.