The World of Courtesans c5.29

c5.29

*Itthi* in some *Jatakas* also denotes a prostitute (J. 1. 43) and at the time of a festival an *itthi* was hired by the sons of a *setthi*. She was supposed to be a mistress as opposed to a lawful wife. A girl of pleasure engaged for a short duration is called *muhuttika* (*Vin.* III. 138). The fees of prostitutes are known as *bhati* and *paribbayam*. It is not known how they were established in business, but it is possible to suggest from a reference (*Vin.* II. 267) that houses of ill-fame were run by some people to make profits. It is said that six degenerate nuns ran a brothel. The word *kumbhadasi* while standing for a slave woman, also indicated a woman with loose morals. She was an expert in dance and music.