The World of Courtesans c7.12

c7.12

The *devadasi* was a temple prostitute, a dancing girl, who when she retired was re-employed by the state for work such as spinning wool, cotton and flax. The existence of *devadasis* in the third century B.C. or a little later is supported by the Jogimara cave inscription. It has been translated by M. Boyer as "Sutanuka by name, Devadasi. The excellent among young men loved her, Devadinna by name, skilled in sculpture." T. Bloch, however, translated it in a different way: "Sutanuka by name, a Devadasi made this resting place for girls. Devadinna by name, skilled in painting." It is clear from the inscription that the institution of *devadasis* was in a flourishing state and the *devadasi* Sutanuka was prosperous enough to build a resting place for actresses or dancing girls.