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Courtesans in Jain Literature
The institution of courtesans in ancient India in its social setting has not yet received as much attention from scholars as it deserves. Courtesans in ancient India did not merely serve the baser needs of society but were also symbol of culture and ars amories. Around them moved interesting characters such as rich merchants, bankers and the rakes. In this way a courtesan became an important part of Indian society. So far as literature is concerned, courtesans, in spite of their perfidies, were considered urban institution which gave an impetus to art and the life of luxury. Special officers were appointed by the state to look after their welfare. Courtesans were not only invited by the king, high officers of the state, and rich men for dancing, music, and dramatic performances, but they also accompanied their lovers to pleasure parties, gambling houses, and drinking booths. Such convivial parties were known as gosthi.
Dr. Anil Dhar
The institution of courtesans is distinguished feature of developed urban society and, therefore, in Vedic and post-vedic literature though the courtesans are mentioned casually, we hardly know about their life and accomplishments. In Jain literature as well, courtesans have received attention and their achievements have been noted. In later Jain Prakrit literature we get detailed information about courtesans. One might question why Jain literature terse, dry as-dust, ascetic and ethical in tone
तुलसी प्रज्ञा अंक 119
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