The World of Courtesans c8.135

c8.135

The institution of *nagarakas* and *goshthis*, though predominantly an urban institution, exercised a certain influence in the rural areas as well. As a first step the *nagaraka* living in a village encouraged the cleverer and keener members of his own caste to join the institution, recounted to them the charms of a *nagaraka's* life and thus gained their confidence and respect. To strengthen the newly founded institution, the leader arranged meetings of the *goshthi*, took their help in arranging feasts and outdoor picnics and encouraged them to help one another.