The World of Courtesans c9.69

c9.69

It is evident from the *Harshacharita* of Bana that in the seventh century the functions of a *goshthi* had become extremely diversified For instance, in *vidyagoshthi* the citizens who were bound together by ties of education, wealth, culture and who belonged to the same age-group assembled at an appointed place to discuss the arts or literature. In a good and serious *goshthi* people gathered to hear stories, historical episodes and recitations from the Puranas. In *viragoshthi*, the stories of heroic deeds were narrated. There was hardly any blame attached to keeping low company which often included dancers and musicians. As a matter of fact Bana's friends included a drummer, a piper, a *ghata-vadya* player, singer, a danseuse and an actor