THERE used to be a time when the ultimate symbol of a good life was being able to have plenty of time for leisure activities. One can still read about it in literature. The Victorians, for instance, rich thanks to the wealth looted from India and other colonies, flaunted their leisure time. They took grand tours on the Continent — which was essentially slow travel and spending months in a single city or country. They also collected curios that they displayed all over their living rooms, where they hosted everything from afternoon teas to a game of charades.

The enjoyment of such leisure was not just the forte of the British. Before their time in India, the pursuits of Mughal royalty were well known. In fact, art, music and literature flourished because there was a leisure class that was available to consume and enjoy them. Many a Mughal miniature shows ladies in repose, lounging on a dais.

The men of Mughal royalty got around to doing a bit more. For instance, many hunting scenes have been depicted. It might, however, not be very easy to find renditions of the hunting Mughals as academicians.

There was hardly any multitasking for the leisure classes of yore. There were many times that people did nothing at all; when they did do something it would appear as if that was the only thing they did.

This idea is going to be anathema to the next generation; indeed, it probably already is for members of Gen Z........

© Dawn