The Early History of India, from 600 B.C. to the Muhammadan Conquest, including the Invasion of Alexander the Great c18.112

c18.112

The statements of Strabo concerning the employment of courtesans as spies and informers are fully supported by regulations on the subject. The courtesans, indeed, were regarded to a large extent as court officials, women of that class, under the orders of a Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent, being appointed to hold the royal umbrella, golden pitcher, and fan, and to attend on the king when he was seated on his throne, or in his litter or chariot. A long chapter is devoted to the regulations concerning public women.⁴ Cipher writing was used by the spies, and carrier pigeons were employed to carry secret intelligence.¹ The Intelligence Department was controlled by five 'Institutes of Espionage', in which the reports were checked and verified.