Srngaramanjari Katha

SR No.: 002914
Original Sutra Author: Bhojdev
Author: Kalpalata K Munshi
Publisher: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
Publication Year: 1959
Total Pages: 312
Language: Sanskrit, Hindi
Classification: Book_Devnagari & Literature
File Size: 21 MB

Page 110

A PICTURE OF THE TIMES
says: कलाप्रागल्भ्यधौर्त्याभ्यां गणयति कलयति गणिका 48 Vātsyāyana mentions the sixty-four anga-vidyas and says:
आभिरभ्युद्दिता वेश्या शीलरूपगुणान्विता । लभते गणिकाशब्दं स्थानं च जनसंसदि । पूजिता सा सदा राज्ञा गणवदद्भिश्च संस्तुता । प्रार्थनीयाऽभिगम्याच लक्ष्यभूता च जायते ॥
So we know for certain that the ganika was respected for her knowledge of the different arts. Not only that but girls of respectable families and young men were sent to her to be instructed in some of the arts. Of the sixty four arts mentioned by Vātsyāyana, music, painting, dancing, etc. are purely aesthetic.
Viseṣakacchedyam, puspastaranam and the like for the purpose of increasing one's personal charms; Sayanaracanam, Bhuṣaṇayojanam are for knowing the part of service; prahelikā, pratimālā, durvācakayoga are entertaining games, while pustakavacana and kavya-samasya-purana and the like are purely intellectual pursuits.
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With all these personal charms and accomplishments it is not surprising that the ganika came to be regarded as a respectable and important member of the community. The description of our nayikā, Śṛngāramañjarī, is that of a perfect ganika of the first order. Her beauty was unparalled, her graces were befitting, her dresses and adornments were choice and befitting, and her language and behaviour were polished and decorous. In dancing and music she excelled others and her intelectual development made her a worthy companion of the most learned.
Vätsyāyana speaks of the mastery of the ganika in sixty-four arts; but Śṛngāramañjari was adept in उभयचतुःषष्टिज्ञान, both kinds of sixty-four arts. The first group we have already referred to; the other refers to the sixty-four samprayogika arts which Vātsyayana mentions in the second book of the Kamasutra. It indicates
that Śṛngāramañjarī was adept in the science of erotics. She was bold in questions and answers, eloquent in speech, wellread in treatises on different subjects and expert at understanding and composing poetry. Possessing unparalled beauty, knowledge and good fortune, she was the favourite of the king and it was not surprising that the Brahmaņas, Kṣatriyas, Vaisyas and Kayasthas all waited at her doors with gifts to offer. With all the wealth and power of the kingdom at her feet it was easy for her to live in great pomp and splendour.50
48. Kāvyānusāsana-Viveka, p. 418.
49. KS, I, 3, 16-20-21.
50. Cf. the description of Vasantasena's residence in Mrechakatika, pp. 99-106.