International Research Journal of Commerce , Arts and Science

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GANIKA OF KAUTILYA

    1 Author(s):  SANJAY CHAUDHARI

Vol -  6, Issue- 8 ,         Page(s) : 72 - 78  (2015 ) DOI : https://doi.org/10.32804/CASIRJ

Abstract

: Kautilya has dedicated a full chapter to Ganikas. He has appointed a state officer Ganikadhyaksha to extend state control over the activities and earnings of Ganikas. Ganikas has been mentioned in almost texts belonging to different ideologies. The writers doesn’t hold equal attitude towards Ganikas. Buddhist and Jaina texts distinguish them as highly respected and free woman. Brahmin and Sanskrit texts doesn’t pay such respect and don’t make any much difference between she and others. Brahmin texts look at them with hatred and often place them along other prostitutes. Ganikas like Ambapali, Vasantsena were highly dignified ladies even respected by the king and royal family members. Ganikas are seen as the free women, in all aspects of life by Buddhist texts. Kautilya is found to place them under the command of his king. Kautilya’s Ganika appeared more enslaved sex worker than a free woman. The work tries to reveal some facts about Kautilya’s Ganika and other women engaged in the profession of prostitution.

  1. See ‘Vaisika’ of Kamasutra; Abhindhanrjendra, Vol. III.
  2. Mrichchhakatika, Act VI.
  3. Vattaka Jataka, Vol. I, No. 118; Atthana Jataka, Vol. III, No.425.
  4. Chanan D.: Notes on some Ancient Indian Works, Journal of the Oriental Institute, 1958, p:309.
  5. Kautilya Arthasastra, 2.27.
  6. Kautilya Arthasastra, 2.27.1.
  7. Kautilya Arthasastra, 2.27.27; 1.20.20; 2.4.11; 10.1.10.
  8. Kautilya Arthasastra, 2.27.19.
  9. Kautilya Arthasastra, 5.2.21 and 28.
  10. Kautilya Arthasastra, 2.27.10.
  11. Kautilya Arthasastra, 2.27.11-12.
  12. Kautilya Arthasastra, 2.27.2.
  13. Kautilya Arthasastra, 2.27.3.
  14. Kautilya Arthasastra, 2.27.6.
  15. Kautilya Arthasastra, 2.27.5. They were required to spun of other works to live. State was not responsible for feeding them in their old age.
  16. Kautilya Arthasastra, 2.27.7. The daughters of Ganikas were thrown in the service of king from the immature age of 8.
  17. Kautilya Arthasastra, 2.27.9.
  18. Kautilya Arthasastra, 2.27.19. The which disobeyed the order of the king has to be whipped 1000 times.
  19. Kautilya Arthasastra, 2.27.4.
  20. Jolly J.: The Minor Law Books: Fragments of Brihaspati, 1989, pp: 360-61; G. Buhler: The Laws of Manu, S.B.E.-25, Delhi, p:387-88; Matsya Purana, 70.92-93.
  21. Kautilya Arthasastra, 2.27.13.
  22. Kautilya Arthasastra, 2.27.12.
  23. Kautilya Arthasastra, 2.27.25.
  24. Kautilya Arthasastra, 2.27.27. 

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