Page:History of India Vol 9.djvu/92

 64 ACCOUNT OF INDIA BY STRABO of oxen; then follows a body of attendants in full dress, bearing vessels of gold, large kettles, and huge bowls, an orguia (about six feet) in breadth, tables, chairs of state, drinking-cups, and lavers of Indian copper, most of which are set with precious stones, as emeralds, beryls, and Indian carbuncles, and wearing garments embroidered and interwoven with gold. In the proces- sion are also wild beasts, as buffaloes, panthers, tame lions, and a multitude of birds of variegated plumage and of fine song. Kleitarchos speaks of four-wheeled carriages bear- ing trees with large leaves, from which were suspended (in cages) different kinds of tame birds, among which the orion 1 was said to possess the sweetest note, but the katreus (bird of paradise?) was the most beautiful in appearance, and had the most variegated plumage. In shape it approached nearest to the peacock, but the rest of the description must be taken from Kleitarchos. Opposed to the Brachmanes there are philosophers called Pramnai (Buddhists), contentious and fond of argument. They ridicule the Brachmanes as boasters and fools for occupying themselves with natural science and astronomy. Some of the Pramnai are called Pram- nai of the Mountains, others Gymnetai, and others again are called Townsmen and Countrymen. The Pramnai of the Mountains wear deerskins and carry scrips filled with roots and drugs; they profess to practise medicine by means of incantations, charms, and amulets. The Gymnetai, as their name imports, go naked and 1 JSlian, De Animalium Natura, 17. 22.