The World of Courtesans c9.65

c9.65

At this juncture the curtain was pulled aside and accompanied by the chamberlain and her attendants, Gandharvadatta entered the hall. Her beauty overpowered the assembly (*goshthi*). Then the chamberlain invited those who wanted to accompany her to come and play. The nagarakas pressed Vinadattaka to go ahead and play but he did not dare to move from his place. As soon as she started singing Naravahanadatta knew that it was the song of Narayana (*Narayani-gita*). He had learnt it from Udayana and it was known to gods and heroes only. Naravahanadatta stood up to accept the challenge. This surprised Vinadattaka and the others. They strongly disapproved of his childishness, but he refused to be browbeaten. He went and sat by the side of Gandharvadatta. A *vina* was brought to him but he rejected it saying that its resonator was full of cobwebs which deadened the sound. The *nagarakas*, scandalized by his behaviour called him a shameless man who was out to court notoriety. They said it was not possible for a Brahman well-versed in the Vedas to play the *vina*. But when the cobweb was found in the resonator, everybody was surprised. A second *vina* was also rejected because its strings were not good enough Finally Sanudasa brought in a *vina* whose resonator was shaped like a tortoise. It was decorated with fragrant flowers. Naravahanadatta after washing his feet and circumambulating the *vina* took his seat on the platform which was covered with silk. He fingered the instrument and set it in tune and then began playing on the *gandharva* scale. He now invited Gandharvadatta to begin her song. His perfect accompaniment to her song won him the hand of Gandharvadatta. Then the chamberlain asked the *nagarakas* to leave