The World of Courtesans c4.21

c4.21

From the above references, which at times are difficult to interpret, it is clear that even in Vedic times there were courtesans tempting their lovers, perhaps depriving the rich Aryans of a part of their possession in cattle and gold. One would have liked to know more about the venue of their profession, and the nature of their clientele. The coquettishness of the courtesans is referred to, but nothing is known of their subtle technique of extorting money from their lovers and of their proficiency in arts other than music and dance Vedic courtesans must have frequented festivals and other convivial gatherings as courtesans did in later historical periods and there is evidence to show that perhaps they visited the *samana*. There also seem to be references to some sort of sacred prostitution, but it is not known how far it was practised.