The World of Courtesans c8.88

c8.88

In Part I, Chapter 4 of the *Kamasutra*, Vatsyayana throws considerable light on the *goshthi* and its members who were known in ancient India as *nagarakas*. The members of *goshthi* were not mere voluptuaries but were also men of refinement and good taste. Everybody could not aspire to lead the life of a *nagaraka* as such a life required certain attainments which had to be cultivated. Vatsyayana is of the opinion that the life of a *nagaraka* should be adopted after receiving a liberal education. Before joining the fraternity of the *nagarakas*, if he was a Brahman, he was expected to acquire sufficient wealth by receiving gifts. If he was a Kshatriya he could accumulate wealth by the prowess of his arms. If he was a Vaishya, trade and commerce added to his resources. If he was a Shudra, practising of crafts brought him money. Of course a legacy from the paternal or maternal side was also a welcome addition. Another condition imposed upon one who intended to adopt a *nagaraka's* life was that he should have enjoyed family life for some time, perhaps to give himself an idea of its limitations and the unbounded joy of the life of a voluptuary.