The World of Courtesans c8.176

c8.176

The *dutis* are divided into several categories: (1) *Nishritarthas* understood the purpose of the *nayika* and her paramour and arranged their union by their own skill. (2) *Paramitarthas* carried out only a particular mission entrusted to them. (3) *Patrahari* carried letters and arranged meetings. (4) *Svayamduti*—the *nayika* herself acted as *duti* and told her lover of their meeting in a dream, condemned his wife if he named her, showed him the marks of scratching and biting made in love-making. She brought him gifts and claimed to be more beautiful than his wife. (5) *Mudhaduti*—she approached the *nayaka's* wife and after gaining her confidence, found out from her how her husband behaved towards her and taught her the art of securing his favour. (6) *Bharyaduti*—messages of love were carried to the *nayika* by the *nayaka's* own wife. (7) *Mukaduti* was an innocent girl or attendant who acted as a *duti*. She carried love messages hidden in a garland or earring. (8) *Vataduti*—she revealed the desire of the *nayaka* in ordinary or secret speech to the *nayika* and returned with her message. Besides the categories mentioned above, widows, fortune tellers, serving maids, women beggars and artisan women also acted as *dūtis*. The chief duty of the duti was to divert the *nāyikā* from her husband by describing the prowess of the paramour. The *dūtī* extolled his skill in the art of love, spoke of the desire of other women and even hinted at the threat of death, if she did not agree to his proposal. If her speech produced any adverse effect on the *nāyikā*, she managed to remove the impression by skilful speech.