The World of Courtesans c7.39

c7.39

The prostitutes in the Mauryan period were not only employed as a tax-gathering machine, but for other purposes as well. As prostitutes had access almost everywhere and did not arouse any suspicion, they were employed as spies. *Ganikas*, however, did not act as spies as they were entrusted with the duty of earning an income for the state in lieu of the salary they received. As a safety measure they were expected to inform the Superintendent about the clients who visited them.