U. R. Ananthamurthy’s Samskar: An Insight to Prostitution in India

Abstract

In the ancient times the structure under which the institution of prostitution worked was entirely different from that of the present age. While in the ancient times we find more dignified and secular attitude and even well to do prostitutes who sometimes received special attention of the kings saw much degradation in the later years. These Indian prostitutes can be compared to that of the higher class hetaira of Greece who was known for their different calibres. They were well versed in different abilities and profession to attract the men of position. In the earlier days men of position were known to spend much of their time in the company of such women. They were trained in not less than “the sixty-four arts.” The list includes the detail regarding the number of works that is expected out of profession. It deals with over all development of both mind and physique.