Prostitution is the most debatable issue in the Gupta period. The enlistment of prostitutes happened from four sources-: Born to a prostitute mother; Purchased; captured in a war; punished for some sort of adultery. The three classes of prostitutes were Ganikas, Rupajivikas and Kumbhadasis

Unlike now, not all the women who were into prostitution came from a lower caste, in this ‘fine age’ there were several dimensions to prostitution. Some of them were merely treated as a sex toy, but some others did enjoy a high status. Quiet interestingly, sources also show that prostitutes also played a role in politics in a sense that they were used as spies against the rival powers of the empire. They used to take information out from them through seduction.

But prostitution also had a set of rules to it, the ones who neglected the king’s will or defamed their customer faced harsh punishments in the form of lashes of whips or a huge fine. The prostitutes in this ‘golden age’ were also forced into this profession and hence not all of them joined willingly. But there was a severe punishment for anyone who was found forcing women into prostitution. Action was also taken against anyone who was found abducting or getting involved with underage prostitutes or harmed their children or family. This portrays that there was a sense of respect and protection for the prostitutes in that period.

It’s true that prostitution in general was shamed by a large part of the society in that period, not very different than Indian society today. But it was also necessary for the society to help them survive socially, economically and also politically. Because people consider prostitution a social need. Though, there was a forbiddance in the sense of education to them, accepting food from them was considered an objection but seeking sexual benefits was allowed even after they had children. This is what I think led to the objectification of women and started the chain of defamation of prostitution as a profession. But it also remains a highly debatable issue. Although there is hope that modern times will bring prosperity, equality and respect to everyone regardless of their profession.