The Vijaynagara Kingdom had spread
over most of southern India during 1336 to 1565 AD, during which the region
enjoyed prosperity, peace and glory. A number of foreign travellers have
recorded their impressions and experiences in their memoirs. Of these
travellers, Domingo Pious, Fernard Newnitz and Abd-Al Razak deserve a special
mention. They not only visited the Kingdom like ordinary tourists, but actually
lived in many places for weeks and months. The information collected and
recorded by them are a product of their keen observation to study the social,
cultural, economic and political scenario of the kingdom.

&nbsp;
 In the Vijayanagara temples religious rituals and offerings used to take place regularly. Music and dance
performances of the Ganikas were also
considered&nbsp; a kind of offerings to god.&nbsp;
Some of the Ganikas used to
live in the vicinity of temples, whereas others lived in spacious mansions close
to the town markets. Noblemen, businessmen and other rich men visited the Ganikas regularly. The Ganikas would entertain their guests and
would treat them with great care and love, and often engage them in sexual
relationships. Some foreign travellers have therefore referred to the Ganikas as ‘characterless women.’

&nbsp;

The Ganikas were frequently seen accompanying wives of kings and noblemen.
(They were distinguished from other women by virtue of their reddened lips
coloured by chewing beetle leaves.&nbsp;

 The Vijayanagara Emperor Krishna
Devaraya treated the Ganikas with
great respect. He had a special group of Ganikas
in his royal court.&nbsp; It was often
murmured that some of his Ganikas
were actually appointed for his personal security. Obviously these Ganikas were treated with dignity.
During festivals and other important ceremonies the King organized special
performances of the Ganikas. 

&nbsp;

 An Excerpt From the original&nbsp; Marathi&nbsp;
book

&nbsp; The“Bharatiya Ganika’’ by Dr. S.R. Deshpande

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Translated by Ajit Kulkarni

The Ganikas Courtesans in Vijayanagara Period

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