The World of Courtesans c9.2

c9.2

IN KEEPING WITH the growth of luxury and wealth in the Gupta period the institution of the courtesan became fully evolved and played a very important part in the social and cultural life of the people. The *Kamasutra* of Vatsyayana and the *Natyashastra* of Bharata have collected all the relevant information about courtesans and their clients. One is not surprised to read stories of courtesans which describe the methods adopted by them to loot their lovers, and which speak of their accomplishments in the field of fine arts including music, dancing and acting and of the part they played in the royal harem and the court. In the city, the courtesans and the prostitutes had separate quarters assigned to them. There one could meet the cultured and the boorish, the rogues, the rakes and even pundits and philosophers. However, this part of the city was the chosen hunting ground of wealthy bankers and caravan leaders. Gambling and drinking were the necessary adjuncts of prostitution and, therefore, the quarters of the courtesans also became a centre of these vices. And though the *Smritis* condemned these vices and threatened eternal hell to those who indulged in them the life of the people who enjoyed these pleasures rolled on easily and pleasantly.