The World of Courtesans c5.21

c5.21

The above stories supplemented by other stray references in the *Jatakas* give a convincing picture of the life and doings of courtesans. Apparently they were held in great favour by kings and merchants. A king could depose a *ganika* and then restore her to position. They contracted a relationship with court musicians and lived in great style. Apparently no stigma was attached to consorting with courtesans. Expressions like a "vile trade" (*nichakamma*), "a house of ill-fame" (*ganikaghara*), "this bad life of mine" (*kilittha*), and a "low woman" (*duritthi kumbhadasi*) show that the moral aspect of the profession was not lost sight of.