Instytucja kurtyzany w Indiach starożytnych

The article deals with the Indian institution of the courtesan in ancient times with some references to later periods. The paper aims to show how this profession developed and later perished, the role it played in society and state and its contribution to the Indian culture. This profession has a long history in India. It was known as early as Vedic times and continued well into the first half of 20th century. The paper takes into account different types of prostitution in ancient India and also deals with the courtesan as a dramatic heroine. The analysis is based on the Arthashstra, the Kamasutra and the Natyashstra as basic texts on this subject.