[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Polity, law and society](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity) › [The World of Courtesans](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973) › c7.44 # The World of Courtesans c7.44 The World of Courtesans c7.44 - **Language:** English ### [c7.44](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c7.44) In Rock Edicts VIII, IX and XI the word \*vihalayatam\* in the sentence \*atikamtam amtalam lajane vihalayatam nama nikhamisu\* has been usually translated as "pleasure tours" or "tours of pleasure". This \*viharayatra\* was not a tour but a trip to a fixed place with the purpose of hunting and enjoying other pleasures of life such as drinking, strolling in the forests in the company of courtesans, gambling and other sports. In \*viharayatra\* (which is equivalent to the modern \*saila\*, \*jata\* and \*gotha\*) the element of fun, frolic and sport is always predominant; the idea of a journey is simply incidental. This aim of the \*viharayatra\* is emphasized in the inscription itself—\*eta magavya anani cha etarisani abhiramakani ahumsu\* (here hunting and other such pleasures were enjoyed). As opposed to this, the \*dhammayata\* (usually translated as "a religious tour") is nothing more than a socio-religious festival held in accordance with the order of Asoka for the propagation of Dharma. As a matter of fact, the \*dharmayatra\* of Asoka constituted the following elements: (1) an interview with the Sramanas and Brahmans and old men, (2) an interview with the people of the country with a view to instruct them and question them about \*dharma\*, (3) the proper treatment of slaves and servants, (4) obedience to parents and giving presents to friends and relatives, and (5) insistence on the non-slaughter of animals. But besides these ethical principles and abstract virtues the \*dharmayatra\* arranged for the edification of common folk. There was a spectacle of aerial chariots, elephants, masses of fire and other divine representations. - [Previous: c7.43](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c7.43) - [Next: c7.45](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c7.45) - [Up: c7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c7) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c7.44](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c7.44) · Pramāṇa