A History of Agriculture in India v2.c65.s9: Courtesans

v2.c65.s9.1

Prostitution was under state control and served as a source of revenue. Prostitutes were also informers, and when an outsider came and visited them, they passed on information which they could gather to policemen. Abdur-Razzak, who seems to have been impressed by the charms of these women, states, ‘Opposite the mint is the office of the Prefect of the City, to which it is said 12,000 policemen are attached; and their pay, which equals each day 12,000 fanams, is derived from the proceeds of the brothels. The splendour of those houses, the beauty of the heart-ravishers, their blandishments and ogles, are beyond all description. It is best to be brief on the matter. Behind the mint there is a bazar, which is more than 300 yards long and 20 broad (274.32 m × 18.29 m). On two sides of it there are houses (khanaha) and fore-courts (safhaha), and in front of the houses, instead of benches (kursi), lofty seats are built of excellent stone, and on each side of the avenue formed by the houses there are figures of lions, panthers, tigers, and other animals, so well painted as to seem alive. After the time of mid-day prayers, they place at the doors of these houses, which are beautifully decorated, chairs and settees, on which the courtesans seat themselves. Every one is covered with pearls, precious stones, and costly garments. They are all exceedingly young and beautiful. Each has one or two slave girls standing before her, who invite and allure to indulgence and pleasure.’