Facets of Economic and Cultural Life of a Courtesan in Ancient India

Abstract

The social aspects of the life and behaviour of courtesans in early India have attracted much scholarly interest. This article attempts to understand the socio-economic aspects of their profession with special focus on the ganikas and on how they sought to make a profitable career for themselves. The ganikas were held to rank above the common run of prostitutes by virtue of the rigorous training they underwent—‘64 classical arts’ that included dance and drama along with other skills apart from mastery in the art of eroticism. These accomplishments allowed them to charge a considerably higher fee from clients as compared to the other members of the profession. The article explores the different categories of middlemen or procurers/procuresses and managers who served as an essential link between the courtesans and their clients. It also investigates how the courtesans were also expected to use their money and resources.