Essay name: Kathasaritsagara (cultural study)
Author:
S. W. Chitale
Affiliation: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University / Department of History
This essay studies the Kathasaritsagara reflecting the history and cultural traditions of that period in Ancient India. The Katha-sarit-sagara, written by Somadeva, is a vast collection of nearly 350 stories compiled into 18 books. It holds immense cultural significance by reflecting diverse aspects of medieval Indian society, encompassing various classes, commerce, and folklore.
Chapter 2 - Political conditions
45 (of 172)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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of the Vidyadharas have often been described in details.
They are made up of gold (Kanaka) and precious stones,
208 209
have golden walls (Sauvarna bhitti), pearl windows and
210 lattice of pearls. The lakes inside these palaces had
210 212
also steps made of jewels (ratna sopana wapi). These
halls had pillars studded with jewels and precious stones.
213 The outside of these mansions was white-washed and
inside was decorated with pictures.
Different colours
were used in these paintings and scenes of war and love
were painted on the walls and big portraits of the king
and his queen as well used to hang inside them. The
king's private chamber, his retiring chamber, the bower
of the princess and many other apartments in the palace
appear to be painted with various scenes. It is said
that the palace of Padmavati had painted walls and on one
of them Vasavadatta saw the life history of Rama (ramacharite
214 Sita chhitrabhittishu). At another place it is mentioned
that the picture of a king and his chief queen was hung
215 in the private apartment of the king on a wall. It is
also stated that a certain painter had painted on the
208. N.S.. 5.5.3, 5.3.44.
209. Ibid. 12.19.91-92.
210. Ibid. 6.8.145.
211. Ibid. 5.3.285.
212. Ibid. 12.19.91-92, 17.4.15.
213. Ibid. 2.3.31, 3.4.10.
214. Ibid. 3.2.27.
215. Ibid. 1.5.29.
