[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) › c5.21 # The World of Courtesans c5.21 The World of Courtesans c5.21 - **Language:** English ### [c5.21](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.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. - [Previous: c5.20](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c5.20) - [Next: c5.22](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c5.22) - [Up: c5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c5) ## Cites (1) - [Jātaka](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.theravada.sp.khuddaka.jataka) — Pāli --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c5.21](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c5.21) · Pramāṇa