The World of Courtesans c8.273

c8.273

Their verdict was based on their own specialized knowledge. For instance, the courtesan judged the roles that depicted the behaviour of the inmates of the harem and the ruler judged the actor playing the part of a king; the archer judged the correctness of the postures of archers. The painter observed the movements of actors and passed judgement on their costume and make up. The courtesans observed the portrayal of coquettishness on the stage; and the musicians concentrated their attention on musical notes and drumming. The state official took into consideration the manner in which the courtesies were observed. After judging the performance, the assessors had to pronounce on both the faults and merits of the performance. Whenever a controversy arose about the interpretations of the *shastras*, a decision had to be taken. The testimony of the technical texts was the last word. Such controversies arose when actors and actresses, at the instance of their teachers, contested for cash prizes or for banners as awards. They tried to ensure that the judgement was impartial and that the banner was awarded in accordance with the stipulated conditions.