The World of Courtesans c4.49

c4.49

*Narada*, 78-79 provides us with further details regarding prostitution and free love. Intercourse was permitted with wanton women (*svairini*) who were not Brahman by caste, with prostitutes, or with female slaves or with women who were not restrained by their masters, provided they belonged to a caste lower than one's own. Intercourse with women of a superior caste was forbidden. "But when these women are kept mistresses (of a person), intercourse with them by a stranger is as much a crime as intercourse with another's wife. Such women must not be approached, though intercourse with them is not forbidden (on the ground of caste etc.), since they belong to another person." In *Gaut.* XXII. 27 it is said that for killing a woman who is a Brahman by birth only and who subsists by harlotry, no *prayashchitta* is necessary but eight handfuls of corn may be gifted.