The World of Courtesans c8.183

c8.183

The sixth chapter of the *Kamasutra* deals exclusively with courtesans. In the very beginning Vatsyayana asserts that the love of a courtesan was based on physical attraction and basically it was intended to earn her a livelihood Her love, therefore, was natural as well as artificial. In the first case it was instinctive but in the latter case it was for monetary gain. But even in this second situation her love was natural. She naturally reposed confidence in the men whom she pretended to love, but the courtesan's show of liberality was a pose The courtesan had to remind herself that if she wanted to maintain her hold on her lover, the process of extracting money had of necessity to be slow and clever In keeping with the needs of her profession, a courtesan dressed well and adorned herself with a lot of ornaments. She sat at the window of her house looking at the people passing on the highway and yet she remained partially hidden from view. She briefed the pimps to bring young men to her The procurer was adept in this task and could bring about a separation between a man and a woman. He could protect the courtesan from harm and assist her in her mission. In case she was overpowered by those who approached her, he was able to rescue her from their clutches. She is advised by Vatsyayana to follow the right means to gain her end.