The World of Courtesans c4.42

c4.42

From the above references it is clear that as far as the epics are concerned, no stigma was attached to the association with courtesans. But the didactic part of the *Mahabharata* is full of invective against them. In the sphere of wickedness the courtesan is considered only some degrees lower than a king (*M.B.* XIII. 125, 9). The ruler is reminded that drinking halls and strumpets, gamblers, traders and mimes were to be held in check as they were harmful to the kingdom (*M.B.* XII 88, 14, 15)