Pre-Buddhist India: A Political, Administrative, Economic, Social and Geographical Survey of Ancient India Based Mainly on the Jataka Stories c6.s5.38

c6.s5.38

Swings of rope there were, where even the kings sported themselves.⁸ Water-sport (*udakakīḷam*) in rivers or tanks was a favourite pastime with the rich (*issarajātika*) and the kings.⁹ There were public places for sports (*kīḷamaṇḍalam*).¹⁰ Moreover, every great city in those days was surrounded by extensive gardens where people could find some relief. These gardens had trees, fruits and flowers.¹¹ *Uyyānakīḷanam* or garden-sports were common wherein even young ladies took part.¹² Probably kings had their own separate parks where, as we have seen, they betook themselves with their councillors for important discussions or with their subjects to enjoy music and dance.