The World of Courtesans c8.134

c8.134

Though the memory of his past life hardly mattered, he was strongly attracted to the fair sex. He managed to hold his own in the *goshthis* and *vesha* and the source of his livelihood were *goshthis* and courtesans. A *vidushaka* or *vaihasika* was not merely a jester or a buffoon but a skilled musician, a playful and pleasant character and above all a trustworthy fellow. The characters mentioned above served as counsellors to the *nagaraka* and acted as advisers during the quarrels and the reconciliation which he frequently had with the courtesans. The *nagaraka* in his love intrigues sought the help of Buddhist nuns (*bhikhshuki*), widow (*munda*), strumpets (*vrishali*) and old courtesans who were all adept in the arts.