The World of Courtesans c12.30

c12.30

Courtesans also acted as attendants to kings. They massaged their bodies with oil, applied unguents, gave them their bath and served them their meals. In the morning auspicious chants were recited by the bawds. Then the courtesans approached the king. After the usual salutation they offered him water to rinse the mouth, twigs to clean the teeth and held the mirror in front of him. They sang auspicious songs, applied *gorochana*-yellow and mustard *tilaka* on his forehead.