The World of Courtesans c6.11

c6.11

At times more drastic measures had to be adopted. When they were absolutely at the end of their tether because of the importunities of the prostitutes, the monks tied them up for the night and released them in the morning. But the matter did not end there. If a prostitute sued the monks before the king, they had to appear before him personally and answer the charges. The position was further complicated by the fact that there was no dearth of men and women of doubtful character who pretended that they were closely related to each other and sought shelter in the Jain monasteries. A general rule was framed that if a man was accompanied by a woman he was to be refused admission. But at times the man claimed that the woman was his sister, and if he was allowed to stay overnight, he had his pleasure with her. If his conduct was detected he was severely reprimanded and turned out. When this happened he threatened the monks with reprisals.