The World of Courtesans c11.152

c11.152

In the Third Chapter of the *Deshopadesha*, Kshemendra gives a true picture of a mediaeval courtesan. She is a robber of independent will, bereft of love and has desire for sex. She cares only for her own interest. She enjoys the wealth of the lowly and consorts with everybody. Greed never leaves her even when she is old. She is not interested in love. A boy, an old man and a hermit are all the same to her. She robs her clients and forfeits everybody's goodwill. Her home is a focal point for lovers; clients are coming in or going out or waiting. At her own sweet will she assumes the form of a young girl, a middle-aged matron and an old woman. She can transform a pandit into a fool, a rich man into a beggar and a pious man into a thief. The sex act is for money alone. She spends most of her time with an ignorant fellow drinking, relating stories or feigning sleep. She dyes her hair in old age and tries to restore her youth by eating milk products and meat. Even in old age she dresses very fashionably; covers skillfully her flat breasts, and arranges her wimple coyly. When she is ill she approaches the *gurus* for a cure and uses a talisman. She hardly believes in the sanctity of *tirthas*, she carries on her profession clad in white garments. For the sake of money she worships the gods and consults the astrologers.