Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 256

Sec. VI]
STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SUTRA
There are also other proofs to show that the social position of the courtesan has been depicted in the Buddhist texts1 with a certain degree of honour for their virtues and natural qualities.❜
The Brahmanical texts also have dealt with the status of the courtesans in the society at great length and assigned a similar position to them as depicted in the Jaina and Buddhist works.
All these evidences from the different sources clearly show that there was a recognized social institution of maintaining the courtesans for the private and public entertainments in those days of ancient India.
In this connection it should be observed that the courtesans held a better social position than that of the ordinary prostitutes in the civic life.
Food
231
SIXTH SECTION
Food and Drink
The BhS provides a good account of the production and consumption of food and drink by the people of the society as depicted in it.
The terms 'Aharam' and 'Bhoyaṇam's used in this canonical work signify the general meal which can be classified into two groups, viz. eatable solid and drinkable liquid foods.
Friends, kinsmen, relatives, guests and even the attendants of the family were entertained by the householders with the
1 Milindapanha, p. 121 for the courtesan Bindumati; Kurudhamma Tataka II, No. 276, p. 380; Kathasarit-Sagara Vol. III, Ch. XXX VIII, pp. 207-217.
2 Refer to Life in Ancient India, p. 165, 91 f. note, for the details of virtues and character of Bindumati and other courtesans as mentioned in the Buddhist works
8 Studies in the Kama-Sutra-H. Chakladar; Arthasästra - Book II, Ch. XXVII, 124, Vedic Index 1, p. 457.
4 Bhs, 3, 1, 134.
5 Ib, 3, 1, 134; 11, 9, 417; 15, 1, 541.