The World of Courtesans c5.30

c5.30

Reference has already been made to courtesans such as Sama, Sulasa and Kali who commanded a high position in society. There were, however, other courtesans who were renowned in Buddhist literature and who made handsome contributions to the early Buddhist church. Ambapali, a courtesan, is said (according to the Pali version of the story) to have emerged spontaneously in the gardens of the king at Vesali. Since she was picked up at the foot of a mango tree she was named after the mango (*amba*). The gardener brought her to the city, and in course of time her beauty attracted many young men who vied with one another for the honour of her hand. According to the prevailing custom the *gana*, in order to stop the rivalry among eligible young men, appointed her a *ganika*. It is observed in the *Mahavagga*, VIII. 1.1. that at Vesali "there was also the courtesan Ambapalika, who was beautiful, pleasant, gifted with the highest beauty of complexion, well versed in dancing, singing and lute-playing and visited by men who desired her. She asked for fifty *kahapanas* for one night. Through her Vesali flourished." It is further suggested that she was indirectly instrumental in establishing the institution of *ganikas* in Rajagriha (*Mahavagga*, VIII. 1, 2). A merchant from Rajagriha went to Vesali on business and found it to be a populous city with abundant food, and tall buildings. After his business was over, the merchant returned to Rajagriha and met the Magadha king Seniya Bimbisara and requested him to install a courtesan at Rajagriha as well, in order to increase its prosperity.