The World of Courtesans c7.35

c7.35

According to Kautilya *rupajivas* lived in the southern quarter of the fortified town along with actors, wine-sellers, traders in cooked rice, meat-sellers and Vaishyas. The last formed a rich clientele. Certain other items of information about them are available. For instance, for going to bed with a *rupanva*, who lived as a mistress, a fine of 48 *panas* was realized from her second lover while she herself escaped scot-free. If the fellow used force on her, the fine was 12 *panas*. If many tried to violate her, each of them was fined 24 *panas*. A special rule was prescribed to protect prostitutes against the overtures of the night watchmen of the town. They were not only fined (the amount depending on the seriousness of the guilt) but also sentenced to death for violation of this rule. Such drastic punishment was necessary as prostitutes generally used roads and streets during the night and safeguards had to be provided against such villains like night watchmen who were in actual fact expected to look after their safety