The World of Courtesans c8.140

c8.140

The *Kamasutra* describes in detail the different kinds of kisses, embraces, nail-scratchings, cooing etc., which was all a part of the paraphernalia of love-making. These arts were mastered by the *nagarakas*. Vatsyayana has given us a vivid picture of the beginning and the end of love-making. The *nagaraka* with his friends and attendants exchanged floral gifts and entered the well adorned bedroom that was purfumed with incense. There he met his beloved who had just bathed and finished her toilet. She was slightly intoxicated. At first he talked to her sweetly about her welfare and then encouraged her to have more drinks. He made her sit on his right and caressed her with the left hand. He touched her hair locks, the hem of her garments, and the knot of her *sari* with his right hand, and the left hand was absorbed in caressing her. He reminded her of their previous dalliance and spoke suggestively to her of love. To enflame their love desires musical performances with or without dancing were arranged and the various arts were discussed, and she was encouraged to accept more drinks. When she was fully prepared for the act of love the others who were present were given flowers, unguents and *pan* and dismissed, and the lovers then embraced each other and the dalliance began.