[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Polity, law and society](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity) › [The World of Courtesans](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973) › c12.3 # The World of Courtesans c12.3 The World of Courtesans c12.3 - **Language:** English ### [c12.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c12.3) In keeping with the growth in prostitution, the number of synonyms for prostitutes also grew. Hemachandra in the \*Abhidhanachintamani\*, III. 532-34 gives the following names for a prostitute. The exact differences in the status of each type is not defined. They are \*sadharanastri\* (a strumpet), \*ganika\* (a courtesan), \*panapanyangana\* (a woman who could be enjoyed for a \*pana\*), \*bhujishya\* (a mistress), \*lanjika rupajiva\* (one who lived on her beauty, a demimonde), \*varavadhu\*, \*varamukhya\* (a chief courtesan), \*kuttani\* (a bawd) and \*sambhali\* (a prostitute). The quarters in which the prostitutes lived was the \*Veshyashraya\*, \*pura\* and \*vesha\*. The officer in their charge was known as \*Veshyacharya\*. - [Previous: c12.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c12.2) - [Next: c12.4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c12.4) - [Up: c12](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c12) ## Linked texts (1) - [Abhidhānacintāmaṇi](https://indike.org/pramana/in.art.kosa.paryaya.abhidhanacintamani) — Hemacandra, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c12.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c12.3) · Pramāṇa