The World of Courtesans c6.19

c6.19

The cultural aspect of *goshthi* is emphasized in literature, and certain vignettes reveal the reverse side of the medal as well. The patronage of art and culture was no doubt an important function of the *goshthis*, but they also became notorious for their hard drinking, their revels, their encouragement of prostitution and also their brawls. The story of Kamalata, mentions twenty members of a *goshthi* who had their fill of meat and drink and with minds fixed on Kamalata wandered about in a garden at Shravasti. They believed that a Jain monk was likely to be an impediment in the way of enjoyment and they rushed to kill him, but they fell into a blind well and died.