Kathasaritsagara (cultural study)
by S. W. Chitale | 1975 | 109,498 words
This essay studies the Kathasaritsagara reflecting the history and cultural traditions of that period in Ancient India. The Katha-sarit-sagara, written by Somadeva, is a vast collection of nearly 350 stories compiled into 18 books. It holds immense cultural significance by reflecting diverse aspects of medieval Indian society, encompassing various ...
Ganikas (prostitution in ancient India)
Origin and Name Prostitution in India dates back from the earliest times and is mentioned in the Rigveda where terms meaning 'harlot', ' son of a maiden', 'son of an unmarried girl' 332 etc. occur. In Vajasaneya Samhita it seems to be recognized as a profession while in the law-books prostitution is 323 regarded with disfavour. In the Buddhist Age Brahmanas were forbidden to be present at the display of dancing or music. Yet on the other hand we see in the Jatakas that prostitutes were not only tolerated but held in a certain 324 amount of respect. It was a recognised institution. In ancient Greece we also hear of the great wealth of some sm mhmd of the women and the valuable gifts made to the Temples The Kautilya deals with the duties of the of Superintendent of Prostitutes (Ganikadhakshya) who held high paid post ren (1000 panas) at the court of Chandragupta. These women enjoyed a previledged position and held royal umbrella, ? Jenjoyed 321. Nirnaya Sagar 18.5.141, 13.1.101. 322. Macdonell A.A. and Keith A.B. A Vedic Index of names and subjects p.395, 480. 323. Manu IX.259,211, 219, 220, V.90. 324. Please refer to the Index Vol%;B to the translation of the Jatakas under the word 'courtesan', Also see Jain J.C. 'Life in Ancient India as depicted in Jain Cannons, p.163, Mehta R.L. Op.cit., p. 294-296.
358 325 fan and golden pitchers. Vatsayana in his 'Kamasutra' divides prostitutes into nine classes. He says that "Ganika will be rewarded by kings and praised by gifted persons and her connection will be sought by many people" deals Mrichchakatika treats with the marriage of a Brahmin with a wealthy and generous prostitute. In the Dashakumaracharitam a certain passage is of special interest showing how well all female accomplishments were to be found in the courtesan whose education and conversational powers would certainly be more attractive. Then we have got the 'Anangaranga of Malla. Kshamendras Samayamatrika is a hand-book of courtesans. It can be said that 'Brihatkatha' of Gunadhaya must have included many a stories about the Ganikas, current in the society. In the Kathasaritsagara we have ample evidence which throws much light on the life, education, art, wealth and residence of the courtesans. In the Kathasaritsagara the courtesans have been mentioned by various 327 328 326 names such as Vilasini, Varavilasini, Varayoshita, 325. Mujumdar R.C. op.cit. Vol.II. p.569-570 and Kautiliya Arthashastra, Book II, ch.27. 326. Nirnaya Sagar 1.6.63. 327. Ibid. 7.4.19,78. 328. Ibid. 4.3.79, 8.1.78, 3.17.125, 3.2.125.
329 330 331 332 369 Varangana, Ganika, Vashya, Panyangana etc. We have the story of the famous ganika named Madanamala of Pratisthana, Kumudika of Ujjayini, and that of Rupanika of Mathura. Besides these, are mentioned, the courtesans named Devadatta, Sumangala, Rupavati, Hamsavati, Chaturika and 333 Sundart. We may also include the Devadasis (handmaid of the 334 god) or Devakulastriya, the sacred women, under this catagory him. 335 who were dedicated to god and used to dance before Control by the King The profession of courtesans existed during the age under discussion and was probably recognized as was the case in the past. A courtesan was highly esteemed by the king who considered her as the glory of his capital. He has his own right over the courtesans. The Devadasis were probably considered as the rightful property of the King. (12.24.37). 336 329. Nirnaya Sagar 3.17.127, 3.3.125. 330. Ibid. 12.15.27. 331. Ibid. 12.2.163. 332. Ibid. 5.1.59. Ganika, Panyaparimita, Darika, Veshavadhava; these are the names of courtesans mentioned Puri by Puri B. N. op.cit., p.99. He says that their locality was called as Ganikavithika. 333. Nirnaya Sagar 18.51176, 12.2.163, 12.26.42, 10.1.85, 1.6.55. 334. Ibid. 2.4.80, 12.24.37. 335. Ibid. 10.1.54 to 75, 2.4.80, We have references in the contemporary records which shows that in the temple of Somanatha there were such 350 dancing girls and in the 400 temples in Gujrath there lived 2000 dancing girls. Mujumdar R.C., op.cit. Vol.V.p.496. 336. Ibid. 12.24.37.
360 It is mentioned that King Prasannajit had many such 337 fair ladies (ganikas) in his court. The courtesans of Pratisthana, Ujjayini, Mathura and Kamarupa have already been mentioned. The kings had an easy access to their residence and were honoured and respected by them. King Vikramaditya of Pataliputra is said to have Pataliputra come to Pratisthana and straightway entered the splendid mansion of the royal courtesan Madanamala and was entertained by her with costly baths, flowers, perfumes, 338 garments and ornaments (Snanapushpanulapanai) and King Vikramasimha also entered the house of Kumudika, a famous courtesan of Ujjayini, renowned for wealth and was entertained along with his ministers with bath and luxuries. Rupanika was another Varavilasini of Ujjayini who has been mentioned as a prostitute and a temple servant. The Catagories The Kathasaritsagara mentions stories of faithful as well as faithless Ganikas. We have the story of a faithful and << Ganikas named Madanamala of Pratisthana, Rupanika a Vasravilasini of Mathura. Mention is also made of the clever and faithfless Vilasini named Kumudika of Ujjayini 337. Nirnaya Sagar 12.15.27. 338. Ibid. 7.4.31.
361 who entertained King Vikrama simha of Pratishthana 339 lavishly for her selfish motives. 341 We are told that the courtesans are prone to 340 deceive (vanchanapravana veshaya). The hearts of such courtesans are really fathomless and hard to understand and therefore one should not repose any confidence in 342 them for they are full of daring wickedness. Proud of her beauty (rupini), wicked (kusruti) who deprives a man of his wealth and life (dhanaprana), proud who kills the youth (yauvana), such is a courtesan (a) 343 Their Residence The courtesans lived a luxurious life and were favoured by the rich-class and the kings. They lived 344 in splendid mansions in big cities. We have references to the splendid mansions of these Ganikas in the Kathasaritsagara which resemble the palance of a king. Only the king can vie with them in pomp, grandeur and wealth. It is mentioned that the courtesan Madanamala of Pratisthana was of the highest class; she was highly intelligent, 339. Nirnaya Sagar 12.2.15 & 21. 340. Ibid. 10.2.15 & 21. 341. Ibid. 10.2.54. 342. Ibid. 10.1.107. 343. Ibid. 10.1.57, 4.1.56. 344. Eight courts and the garden in the palace of the courtesan Vasantsena in drama 'Mrichchhkatika' are mentioned, Keith A.B., History of Sanskrit Literature, p.271, Kautilya says that they should live in the southern part of the city; Arthashastra II.4.11.
362 The generous and of noble character. Her splendid mansion at Pratisthana resembled the palace of a king. She displayed banners of silk on the high rampart. Its main entrance was to the east. This was guarded day and night by 20000 foot-men equipped with all kinds of weapons. The other three doors were defended by 10000 warriors. The palace was divided into seven zones (kakshas). first zone contained a long line of horses%3 B the second zone was densed with troops of elephants; in the third were the array of dense weapons; the forth zone was resplendent with many treasure-houses; in the next one a circle of dense crowd of attendants was formed. The sixth zone was full of noise of many bards reciting aloud and the last zone was resounding with the sound of drum 345 beating. The mansion of Kumudika, a royal courtesan of Ujjayini was also a splendid one. She owned hundred elephants, two myriads of horses and was full of jewels. Kumudika was renowned for wealth and is said to have provided King Vikramasimha and his ministers with bath and luxuries in a magnificent style. The splendid halls and the terrace of the residence of Rupanika, a 346 345. Nirnaya Sagar 7.4.19 to 29. 346. Ibid. 10.2.15-21.
363 courtesan of Mathura are also mentioned. The courtesan Devadatta of Ujjayini had a palace worthy of a King. It had four to five zones. Each zone had female servants who were assigned various duties. These zones were well 347 The canopy of flashing jewels guarded by door-keepers. and the luxurious bed of the courtesan Sundari is mentioned. Thus it appears that these courtesans lived a luxurious life with a large train of servants to attend 349 on them. Profession-Hereditary_ It appears that the profession of the Ganikas was hereditary. Rupanika learnt the skill in this profession from her mother who was skilled in this art. Makarakati is said to have taught this art to her daughter 350 Sundari. Ganika and Social Morals As a general rule a courtesan was not looked 351 down as a moral outcaste; but was respected by the people. Ganika's were intelligent, generous and of noble character and hence people were attracted towards them 347. Nirnaya Sagar 18.5.176,181 50 189. 348. Ibid. 10.1.54,175. 349. Ibid. 10.1.107, 18.5.175. 350. Ibid. 10.1.58 & 89. 351. Ibid. 3.3.125,127.
364 352 by their charms. Rich people patronized them while the kings held them in high respect and great favour. A person who had no wealth could not enter the house of a courtesan since it was only to be entered by the rich. We have the example of a young gambler who lost all his money in gambling and repented as he was unable 353 to enter the house of a courtesan. Proficiency in Arts Proficiency in arts was probably one reason why the rich people and the royalty patronized the courtesans. They entertained them with music, dance and skill in love. It is mentioned that the courtesan Sundari of Kamchanapura was well versed in her art and was proficient in dancing and singing. She charmed the merchant's son 354 Ishavaravarman. Also another courtesan named Chaturika Ishav entertained a Brahmin by advancing to meet him and then 355 offered him a seat. El sewhere it is mentioned that a courtesan should dress herself elegantly and should approach her lover with sweet words%; offer a seat, give 352. Nirnaya Sagar 3.3.125,127. 353. Ibid. 5.1.59. 354. Ibid. 10.1.85, 89. 355. Ibid. 1.6.55.
365 him betel leaves and essences to purify the mouth. She should behave according to his desire and whims. She 356 should avoid the detection of any defect in her tactfully. But these qualities of a Ganika are rarely described in the Kathasaritsagara On the other hand we find that Makaradamstra advices her daughter Rupanika, a courtesan of Ujjayini, to be after money. She clearly describes her the manners, customs and intensions of a professional courtesan and says that " a Ganika is a fair and frail type of woman created by providence to steal wealth and life of rich men; they should be without affection%; they should not associate with the poor and should assume affection only to get wealth; a courtesan who falls in love does not obtain wealth and therefore a courtesan should abandon passion%; a properly trained courtesan should exhibit love without sincerity like a well trained actress (sushikshitanatieva). She should gain a man's affections, then she should extract from him all his wealth%3 B when he is ruined she should abandon him; a courtesan is like a hermit, and is the same towards a young man, a child and an old man, a handsome man and a deformed man and so 357 always attains the principal object of existence. 356. Jain refers to the employment of such a practice by a courtezan as given in the Brahtkalpa Bhasya. Jain J.C. Life in Ancient India, etc. p.164,65 fn.87. 357. Nirnaya Sagar 10.1.54 to 65.
366 Their greed for Money The sole object of the courtesan, as is clear from the above passage, was to acquire money from the lovers. The main objective of the most of the courtesans im from the Kathasaritsagara is also to make money. When a person has squandered away all his money by way of feee he was deserted by them mercilessly. The logic of a courtesan was very practical. If the lover did not pay money, various methods to extract it were employed. Thus the courtesans made money and became wealthy. We came across the courtesan named Kumudika who was renowned for her wealth. The greed of a courtesan for money is reflected when the courtesan Hamsavali demands a fee of five hundred 'dinaras' 358 from Manahsyami for a night. Her mother advised Rupanika not to fall in love with Lohajanga but to carry on with him the business for wealth. Elsewhere we have mentioned the immense wealth and the luxurious life of the famous 359 courtesan named Madanamala of Pratisthana. It is also shavaravan mentioned that Ishavaravarman spent five lakhs of gold coint and jewels in two days. He remained in the house of Sundari for two months and bestowed upon her crores. 358. Nirnaya Sagar 12.26.34,42. 359. Ibid. 7.4.19 to 29.
-P 367 She had already more than five crores of wealth in her 360 house. Again it is interesting to note that even for concealing a snake from the bird Garuda, a courtesan is 361 said to have taken five hundred elephants as payment.