The World of Courtesans c7.20

c7.20

In keeping with the strict rules governing the conduct of courtesans in the employment of the state, the *Arthashastra* ordained that a ganika could not become a mistress (*avaruddha*). an *avaruddha* was prohibited by her master from intercourse with other men. In ancient India (except in the period described in the *Arthashastra*) there was no interdiction against *ganika* becoming a mistress According to the *Arthashastra*, the *ganika* was an important source of income to the state and so she was forbidden to seek the protection of any single person There was this qualification though if a man took a *ganika* to his home for himself, he had to pay 1-1/4 *pana* as well as the monthly salary she received from the Superintendent. This was because she had failed to be productive to the state during the period of her absence with her protector.