The World of Courtesans c9.51

c9.51

In the *sabha* arranged for the competition Vasudeva saw the experts occupying raised seats while other people sat on the floor. Charudatta offered the king a raised seat. Gandharvadatta sat behind a curtain and the competition began. Nobody dared to challenge her. Vasudeva asked for a *vina* but rejected it on the plea that the gourd-resonator was not properly charged. He rejected the second *vina* on the plea that it was made of water-soaked wood and this resulted in false notes. Then they brought a sandalwood *vina* decorated with fragrant flowers. Then Gandharvadatta and he played the *vina* and sang the *Vishnugitaka*, which was applauded by the gathering.