The World of Courtesans c4.7

c4.7

There are certain significant words in Vedic literature which throw light on the character and function of courtesans. In the *Rig Veda* the Maruts are said to have become associated with the young lightning in the way a man becomes associated with a young courtesan (*sadharani*). *Rama* and *hasra* indicate a courtesan. *Ayogu* found in the list of victims in the *Vaj. Sam.* XXX, 5, is rendered by Weber as an unchaste woman, but according to Zimmer she is perhaps a courtesan. The *Vaj. Sam.* XXIII, 30, 31 and *Tai. Sam.*dagger VII. 4, 19, 23 refer to the illicit unions of Shudra and Arya, both male and female. Besides this, when they list the victims at the Purushamedha they mention victims whose designations mean courtesans (*atitvari*, *atishkadvari*). The female dyer, *rajayitri* (*Vaj. Sam.* XXX. 12 and *Tai. Bra.*[^double-asterisk] III. 4, 7, 1) is said to have been dedicated to sensuality.