The World of Courtesans c8.259

c8.259

Bharata gives further details about courtesans and those who courted them. For instance, we are told that a courtesan was to be addressed by her attendants as *ajjuka*. The names of the courtesans usually ended in *datta*, *mitra*, and *sena*. *Vaishika* or gallant is defined as one excelling (*visheshayit*) in all the arts (*kala*) and also one known for his expert dealings with courtesans (*veshyopachara*). The gallant was also skilled in various crafts and specialized in the art of love. His qualities are classified under three categories, namely, physical, extraneous (*aharya*) and psychological (*sahaja*). He was well-versed in the *shastras*, skilled in the arts and crafts, well-built, handsome, and strong. He possessed self-control; he was young and well-dressed. He came from a good family and was friendly and sweet tempered. He was modest, fearless, sweet of speech, clever, prosperous, clean in his habits, and expert in love practices, honest, and ready to act in accordance with appropriate needs of time and place. He did not cringe. He remained smiling, was eloquent, careful, of firm resolve, magnanimous, faithful and friendly. He did not trust easily accessible women (*gamya*).