Prostitutes as Philanthropists
by Jyotsna Kamat
First Published: June 09, 2002 in Amma's Column
Page Last Updated: November 16, 2024
Prostitutes as Philanthropists
The following is the story of two courtesans who are remembered for their generous donations, even after hundreds of years after their death.
Sulekere or "Prostitute's Lake" (in Kannada) is a huge lake near Chennagiri in Shimoga district of Karnataka state in India. It is 10 miles in length and 7 miles in width, and irrigates 70,000 acres of land. The lake has helped with perennial water supply to men, cattle, and crops for the last 12 centuries.
Local tradition ascribes its construction to a rich courtesan by the name of Shantavve, who probably lived in 10th century CE (determined by carbon dating). No inscription or memorial of the lady is forthcoming. Perhaps like many philanthopists of her time, Shantavve wanted to remain anonymous.
The Government of Karnataka has since renamed the tank as Shantisagar to perpetuate Shantavve's name, although the local people refer to it by the more crass, former name. So, although she wanted to remain incognito, the society remembers her as well as her humble birth.
Vinapoti (7th Century CE) is another courtesean who is remembered for her philanthropy in Karnataka. She gave generous charities to temples. In a inscription, it is aknowledged "..Built by the soulmate mistress of Chalukya king Vijayaditya".
See Related Links:
- Jai Karnataka -- Potpourri of topics on Karnataka's history, people, folklore and arts. Includes sub-sections on Mysore, Karavali, and North Karnataka.
- Status of Women -- Article discussing the status of women in medieval Deccan; includes topics on temple-women, institution of marriage, sati, and adultery.
- The Courtesans of India
