The World of Courtesans c5.5

c5.5

The bodily movements and behaviour of a woman in love have not escaped the attention of the *Jatakas*. In the spirit of the *Kamasutra* they describe how a wicked woman draws herself, bends down, tries to appear coy and presses her fingertips. She plants one foot over the other and scratches the ground with a stick. Her son is also made to play a part in this unholy game of love. She swings him up and down, plays with him, kisses him, feeds herself and him. She gives or begs, mimicks others and speaks in either a high or a low tone. She draws the attention of her lover with dance, song and music, tears and blandishments. But if these soft avowals of love fail to evoke any response she shows her fury. She laughs at him, derides him, she shakes her dress or shifts the folds of her *sari*, exposes or covers up her legs, displays her armpits and navel. She closes her eyes, knits her eyebrows, tightly presses her lips, she pulls out her tongue, loosens or tightens her dress and headgear.