The World of Courtesans c9.28

c9.28

In cockfighting the bets were very high. It is mentioned in the *Vasudeva Hindi* that Vinadatta once went to the market-place of *Shravasti* in the company of his friend Gangarakshita, the doorkeeper. There he was told by Rangapataka's maid that there was to be a fight between the cocks of the courtesans Ratisena and Rangapataka and that he was to act as a referee for Rangapataka. After some hesitation, the friends proceeded to the house of Rangapataka and received a warm welcome there. The cockfight ---\|cu and the wage was a lakh, Vinadatta backed the cock of Rangapataka and it won. Later on the stake was raised to a million and Ratisena's cock was backed by Ganga-rakshita and it won.