The World of Courtesans c4.43

c4.43

The condemnation of courtesans on moral grounds is, however, a common feature of the *Smritis* and certain *Puranas*. The *Agni Purana* (168.3), holds the eating of food offered by the ganas and courtesans (*ganika*) a great sin and a moral lapse. Cohabitation with mistresses (*avaruddha*), slave girls (*dasi*) and prostitutes (*bhujishya*) was punished by fines (*A.P.* 258.12). The *Garuda Purana* has nothing but condemnation for courtesans.