[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Vedic Index of Names and Subjects](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912) › v1.c3.s19.93 # Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.s19.93 Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.s19.93 - **Language:** English ### [v1.c3.s19.93](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3.s19.93) (c) That prostitution existed in Rigvedic times is certain, but its extent is disputed. Brotherless girls were frequently reduced to becoming prostitutes;³⁹ the putting away of an illegitimate child is referred to in the Rigveda;⁴⁰ besides the terms \*pumścalī\*⁴¹ and \*mahānagnī\*,⁴² which undoubtedly mean ‘harlot,’ there are other clear references to prostitution;⁴³ and expressions like \*kumārī-putra\*, ‘son of a maiden,’⁴⁴ and the ‘son of an unmarried girl’ (\*agrū\*), spoken of in the Rigveda⁴⁵ as exposed and attacked by animals, point in the same direction. The Vājasaneyi Saṃhitā⁴⁶ seems to recognize prostitution as a profession. Pischel⁴⁷ sees many references to Hetairai in the Rigveda, which as Geldner⁴⁸ insists reflects in its imagery the court life of Indian princes. But the correctness of the view of these two scholars on this point is not by any means certain.⁴⁹ - [Previous: v1.c3.s19.92](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3.s19.92) - [Next: v1.c3.s19.94](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3.s19.94) - [Up: v1.c3.s19](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3.s19) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3.s19.93](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3.s19.93) · Pramāṇa