The World of Courtesans c8.89

c8.89

A person who aspired to live like a *nagaraka* at first established himself as a gentleman in a city, in a business centre or in a small town. His activities could also be carried on while he was on tour. The house in which a *nagaraka* lived was situated in the vicinity of a river or a tank to ensure cleanliness and the possibilities of watersport. Adjoining the river or the tank there was a garden and a workshop. The living house itself was divided into two apartments, an outer and an inner one: the former serving as a sitting room and the latter occupied by women. The outer room was provided with a bed furnished with soft perfumed mattresses, pillows near the head and at the feet, and a clean white counterpane. Nearby was laid a smaller bed which came in handy during love play. At the head of the bed lay a broom which was considered an auspicious symbol. Built against the wall and reaching to the height of the bed was a platform on which were placed the unguents, the garlands, a beeswax box, a packet of perfumed powder for removing the odour of perspiration, lemon peelings and betel leaves for perfuming the mouth; on the floor lay a spitoon. From the peg hung a covered *vina* on which he played, a wooden panel on which he painted and a box of painting brushes, the palm-leaf manuscript of his favourite poem and a *kurantaka* garland which did not fade. Not far from the bed was spread a round carpet. The gambling board rested against the wall. Outside the living apartments and in the covered veranda were hung the cages of birds. In an obscure corner the *nagaraka* could busy himself with spinning and carpentry which apparently contributed to creative joy. In the garden there was a swing under shady trees and a mosaic platform covered with flowers; this could be used as a drinking booth.