The World of Courtesans c3.2

c3.2

The institution of courtesans is a distinguished feature of developed urban society and, therefore, in Vedic and post-Vedic literature though the courtesans are mentioned casually, we hardly know much about their life and accomplishments. In Buddhist literature, however, we are face to face with the highly developed institution of courtesans and there are many stories in the *Jatakas* which throw light on their artistic achievements and the modes they employed in enticing their lovers. In Jain literature as well, courtesans have received attention and their achievements have been noted. We are also informed about certain features of *goshthis*, their organization, the qualifications of their participants and the important role played in *goshthis* and gatherings by courtesans. In the Mauryan period, however, the organization of courtesans became highly complex and the state devised a set of rules which governed their conduct. As a matter of fact in this period they became an important source of revenue to the state.