Prostitutes, also known as courtesans, were a common sight in ancient India.
These prostitutes, however, were often ladies of culture and
intellect, rather than merely providing sexual pleasure.
Prostitutes are shown in one of the portions of the Kama
Sutra by the author Vatsyayana as women who, although obviously outside nor of
society, have significantly more independence than other women.
The Little Clay Cart (Mrcchakatika), a play in which the
prostitute Vasantasena is sought after by all the men of the city due to her
beauty, riches, and mastery of the sixty-four aesthetic arts, paints a similar
scenario.
This image is undoubtedly romanticized, and it represents
just a small percentage of the women that work in the sex industry.
Prostitution is also mentioned in regard to a group of women
associated with particular temples.
These women were referred to be devadasis (servants of the
god) and were not permitted to marry.
Instead, they were thought to be married to the deity, for
whom they would sing, dance, and conduct other ceremonies, just like any Hindu
wife would.
These women might have their own land and resources, but
because of their peculiar position, it was normal for them to have long-term
relationships with local males for mutual delight.
In some situations, this devolved into prostitution, with
the women becoming a source of revenue for the temple, but in others, they were
able to maintain some autonomy.
There has been a ban on starting devadasis since India's
independence in 1947, however some elderly ladies who were initiated before
that time still exist.
When the Jagannath temple management committee started to
look into the possibilities of additional initia tions in 1995, it caused a
stir.
Vatsyayana (tr. Alain Daniélou), Kama Sutra of Vatsyayana;
and Frederique Apffel Marglin, Wives of the God-King, 1985 for further details.
Also see Yellamma.
