The World of Courtesans c8.105

c8.105

It was, however, in the periodical meetings of the *goshthi* that the *nagarakas* found full satisfaction for their proclivities and amatory experiences. The *goshthi* met in the house of a courtesan, in the pavilion of a gambling house or in the house of one of the *nagarakas*. It was attended by the *nagarakas* who shared the same level of education, intelligence, social standing, wealth and age. They were naturally accompanied by the courtesans in their company and they discussed topics befitting the occasion. In such a *goshthi* the *nagarakas* occupied the seats assigned to them (*asanabandha*), the order of the seats depending on the merits and attainments of the members. The gathering discussed the problems of literature which included composing verses on a fixed topic, and also the problems of art which included the theory of dancing as propounded by Bharata. At the close of the discussion, in order to foster friendship, the members exchanged gifts in honour of the artistic attainments of the members; the function was called *kalapuja*. The gifts brought in by servants were artistic and suggestive of the love and esteem felt by the members for each other and included garments etc.