The World of Courtesans c7.28

c7.28

The *Smritis* had a poor opinion of ganikas and the hatred of certain law-givers against them rose to such a height that even killing a prostitute was not counted a sin (*Gautama*, XXII. 27). This hatred and suspicion of the prostitutes seems to have been due to their role as corrupters of morals and also due to the belief that they were thieves and swindlers (*Manu*, IX. 259). They were considered thorns strewn in the path of the people (*Manu*, IX. 259-60). To expiate the sin of intercourse with a prostitute a man had to perform the Prajapatya sacrifice. Prostitutes were supposed to be unclean persons and food offered by them was forbidden to Brahmans.