The World of Courtesans c8.158

c8.158

In the fourth section of the *Kamasutra* Vatsyayana deals with the duties of a housewife. In a broad sense this term also includes widows and courtesans, who were often married. Following the Hindu tradition she regarded her husband or master as a god and carried out the household duties with his permission. She swept the house and arranged flowers in a particularly well swept corner. She placed offerings thrice a day in another corner and worshipped the household deity in her private chapel. She respected her elders, relatives and servants. Being a clever housewife, she grew leafy vegetables, flowers and plants etc., in her gardens. She provided the garden with a well or a tank placed in its centre.