[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Polity, law and society](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity) › [The World of Courtesans](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973) › c8.260 # The World of Courtesans c8.260 The World of Courtesans c8.260 - **Language:** English ### [c8.260](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c8.260) In love affairs with a courtesan, the go-between (\*duti\*) played an important part. She was not just a professional woman. She could belong to any walk of life. An actress, a female ascetic, a neighbour, a friend, a maid-servant, an unmarried girl, a craftswoman, a foster mother, a nun, or a female fortune-teller, could be employed as a messenger. In the choice of a \*duti\*, intelligence was the first consideration. She had to be plain-looking and able-bodied, but she had to study the ways of the lover. She had to be poor, honest, sweet of speech, quick to take decisions and capable of keeping secrets. - [Previous: c8.259](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c8.259) - [Next: c8.261](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c8.261) - [Up: c8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c8) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c8.260](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c8.260) · Pramāṇa