March 2000
Before the British conquered the Indian sub-continent, before this region became a hinterland of industrial capitalism, courtesans (baiji) were part of Muslim and Hindu courts in the many Indian kingdoms. Courtesans were learned, cultivated and skilled in arts — dancing, singing and poetry. Courtesans enriched the musical traditions of India by contributing thumri and gazal, semi-classical genres of singing. They had social status, they were owners of landed estates. Colonisation produced the category of 'prostitutes' — women who sell sexual services, for money.
To seek protection from evil spirits, for good luck and higher income, women perform many rituals besides visiting tombs of reputed saints. A fakir (holy man) who visits Kandupatti brothel regularly, blesses and purifies a sex-worker.