The World of Courtesans c8.49

c8.49

*Pustakavachanam:* Literally, stylistic recitals from books. According to the commentary, however, it refers to the reading of Bharata's *Natyashastra* and *Kavyas* with a view to evoking erotic sentiments or simply as a source of amusement. As the arts mentioned by the *Kamasutra* were cultivated mostly by the courtesans and their lovers, the latter explanation is more acceptable.