[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) › c8.88 # The World of Courtesans c8.88 The World of Courtesans c8.88 - **Language:** English ### [c8.88](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.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. - [Previous: c8.87](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c8.87) - [Next: c8.89](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c8.89) - [Up: c8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c8) ## Linked texts (1) - [Kāmasūtra](https://indike.org/pramana/in.niti.kama.vatsyayana) — Vātsyāyana Mallanāga, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c8.88](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c8.88) · Pramāṇa