[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Polity, law and society](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity) › [The World of Courtesans](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973) › c4.55 # The World of Courtesans c4.55 The World of Courtesans c4.55 - **Language:** English ### [c4.55](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c4.55) \*Samaja\* indicated a social gathering in which music, dance, dramatic shows or tournaments played an important part Here members of different social orders, guilds etc., participated. Courtesans played an important part both as participants in the show, and also as spectators The \*H.V.\* II 30 has drawn a convincing picture of Kamsa's \*samaj-vata\*. Kamsa summoned the assembly to witness a fight between Krishna and his favourite elephant Kuvalayapida Right from the morning crowds of citizens proceeded to the stadium. Its galleries (\*manchagara\*) were painted and provided with octagonal legs; they had doors with bolts and pins There were many railings (\*sargaladvaravedikah\*), semicircular windows and well decorated comfortable seats which were provided with curtains made of fine material and decorated with flower garlands. Some of the galleries were occupied by the guilds and \*ganas\* flying their own colours and adorned by the distinguishing symbols of their professions. Naturally, the galleries (\*prekshagara\*) occupied by the inmates of the harem were a much more elaborate affair. They were gilded, inlaid with jewels and decorated with flags There one could hear the babble of tongues and the tinkling of ornaments The courtesans (\*ganika\*) occupied separate galleries covered with counterpanes. There sat the chief courtesans (\*varamukhyah\*). The galleries occupied by them were provided with luxurious seats, golden sofas, colourful carpets and flower bouquets. They were also provided with golden pitchers containing wine (\*panakumbhah\*). There were drinking booths (\*panabhumi\*) and \*pan\* baskets Then there were hundreds of galleries furnished with costly carpets and provided with latticed windows to seat the queens The \*prekshagara\* of Kamsa was altogether a splendid affair. - [Previous: c4.54](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c4.54) - [Next: c4.56](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c4.56) - [Up: c4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c4) ## Linked texts (1) - [Harivaṃśa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.mahabharata.harivamsa.2.30) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c4.55](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c4.55) · Pramāṇa