The World of Courtesans c13.17

c13.17

The *Manasollaa* of Someshvara, though composed as late as 1131 A.D., yet gives us interesting details about courtesans and *vitas*. It mentions that courtesans were closely connected with the palace. There they served the king. In summer they sat in a pavilion where the floor was covered with sand and provided with *khas*-grass. The curtains were sprinkled with perfumed water. The courtesans fanned the king at midday when the heat was intolerable. At night the courtesans gave musical performance on the palace terrace which were decorated with fragrant flowers. Jesters amused the king and literateurs, poets and story tellers engaged his interest till midnight when he retired with his women.