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Lord Mahavira and His Times
rise to eminence and occupy positions that had a prestige value in society.
The Jatakas inform us about Sāmā,1 Sulasā2 Kālī3 and other courtesans. Kali is described in the Takkariya Jātaka as one possessed of the qualities of social decency and self-respect. The Sulasa Jātaka represents Sulasā as a woman of rare wisdom and courage. About the income of these courtesans, the Jātaka stories give exaggerated accounts which are not reliable. On the other hand, the information given by the Vinaya Pitaka appears to be authentic and we may accept fifty to one hundred silver punch-marked coins as their daily income. Ambapāli is described as earning 50 Kahāpaṇas per night, whereas Sālavatī is said to have been charging 100 Kahāpaṇas.5
The character of the courtesans has also its seamy side. Generally, they sold their flesh for money for which they were looked down upon by men and women alike. Their profession is described as a vile trade (nichakamma). Expression like 'a house of ill fame' (nichch-ghara or gaṇikāghara)" and ‘a low woman,8 (duratthi kumbhadāsī) indicate that the profession of the prostitute was not considered respectable.
6
FOOD AND DRINK
Both literary and archeological sources reveal that rice, wheat, and pulses were the main cereals which people consumed. Rice, no doubt, was known in the preceding age too, but wheat and pulses were added to the dietary system of this period. Rice was very popular. The chief varieties of rice were Sali, Taṇḍula, Hayana, Shashțika, and Nivāra which seem to have been cultivated in this region. Rice of superior quality 1. Kanavera Jā, (No. 318).
2. Sulasa Ja, (No. 419).
3. Ja, IV. 248 (No. 481, Takkāriya Jî).
4. Athana Jā. (No, 425).
5. Mu, VIII. 1. 1-1. 3.
6. Ja, III. €0.
7. Ibid, III- 61; 1V. 249.
8. Ibid, VI. 228.
9, Majjh, I. 57; III. 90; Ja, I. 429, 484; II. 110, 135, 378;
IV. 276; VI. 367.
Asva. G S, I. 17. 2; Sañ. G. S, I. 24. 3; I 28 6;
Pa, III 1.48; III. 3. 48; V. 1. 90; V. 2. 2.
