The World of Courtesans c7.11

c7.11

*Rupajiva* was a prostitute whose status was next in rank to that of the *ganika*. Her relatively superior position is proved by the fact that she was allowed to have her quarters to the south of the fort, and also had access to the royal harem, entry to which was prohibited to ordinary prostitutes (*dasi*). *Veshya* in the *Arthashastra* is a generic term for all kinds of prostitutes. Not being directly employed by the state, their activities were controlled by the fort authorities and they were placed along with spies, artisans, singers etc , to keep watch on the conduct of military personnel *Pumshchali* in the *Arthashatra* is only a very low-grade prostitute, perhaps in the category of a whore who surrendered her person for money Persons seen in her company became suspects. She was at times used as a spy as well. The word *dasi* seems to have been used by Kautilya in a double sense—for a slave girl closely associated with palace activities and for a common prostitute who was not allowed to enter the royal palace. She also acted as a spy.