by Police - Bureau of Police Research and Development

KeywordsImmoral Trafficking inWomen and Girlsin Ancient IndiaAuthor Intro. :* IG of Police (Retd.), Bihar.Umesh Kumar Singh*Immoral Trafficking, Chattel, Ganikas, Kautilya, Arthasastra, Kamasastra,Daskumarcarita, Kshemendra's Samayamatrika, Kuttanimattam, Rupajiva, Bhujisya,Samanyas.Abstract which are not only a modern phenomena, but in the most remote past also,the institution of prostitution posed a serious problem and was rampantlyin existence. Their position was pitiable and even killing a prostitute couldhardly attract any penal provisions in some circumstances.But quite in contrast, it is also found mentioned in the Kautilyan Arthasastrathat the Ganikas enjoyed an equal status with that of high bureaucrats ofthe kingdom. Some are told to have been receiving pay, even more thanbureaucrats. Lord Budha also preferred to live with Ambapali in Vaisali andaccept her hospitability, a courtesan of great repute. It also substantiatesB.C.).IntroductionPremote past also, sometimes even with the aid and assistanceof Kings and State Government. In those days, Government used toensure subsistence to the old prostitutes and their children also andthey were comfortably rehabilitated. In the Mauryan Period, theGanikas were the salaried employees and many of them were used inJanuary - March, 2013183