The World of Courtesans c12.38

c12.38

The third story illustrates "Saffron love" (*Kusumbha raga*). It is said that in Vidisha there lived a beautiful courtesan named Kuvalayavali, daughter of Bhujangavagura. Madhava, a Brahman, who had amassed wealth from trade with Ceylon spent some days with her. That short period sufficed for her. She drained away his wealth from him. Madhava realizing that his dismissal from the courtesan's favour was imminent, expressed a desire to proceed to Malaya in search of wealth. Kuvalayavali pretended to raise a hue and cry. The clever bawd wanted some token of rememberance from him. Madhava enraged at this show of wickedness promised to give her his only garment. He took her to lonely spot. There he cut off her nose and ears. It is said in the end that the men afflicted with "Saffron love" could be revengeful and, therefore, should be given no cause for offence.