The World of Courtesans c4.56

c4.56

In the ancient *yatras* and *goshthis* which attracted citizens, courtesans played an important part The *Harivamsa*, II, 88 gives an uninhibited picture of *yatra*. It is said that once the Yadavas of Dvarika decided to pay a visit to Pindaraka Tirtha situated on the seashore. In the party Krishna had his own separate retinue and each prince was accompanied by his own followers. These parties had with them thousands of courtesans whom the Yadavas had settled in Dvarika. They were just ordinary prostitutes (*samanya*) fit only to be played with (*kridanaryah*) but by their accomplishments they had attained the status of courtesans (*veshayoshitah*) fit for kings. (*H. V.* II. 88, 7-9). As a matter of fact, it is asserted that the availability of women had created such a spirit of rivalry in the crowd that there was a possibility of the Yadavas fighting among themselves to gain their favours.