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The Courtesan's Keeper: Samaya Matrika
"This feast of smiles was put together giving the secret strategies and all the tricks of courtesans One of Kshemendra’s finest satires, The Courtesan’s Keeper is a delightful and rambunctious rendition of the life and times of the courtesan Kankali as she teaches the ways of the world to her ward Kalavati. From the attractive courtesan and her shrewd keeper to the experienced barber and the avaricious trader, the book brings to life the vibrant society of Kashmir Valley a thousand years ago through a host of characters, each drawn in vivid detail. With its terse narrative, directness and economy of style, and fast-paced action, the book is fully suited for the twenty-first-century reader."
188 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
7 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Kshemendra
29 books2 followersKshemendra (c. 990 – c. 1070 CE) was an 11th-century Sanskrit polymath-poet, satirist, philosopher, historian, dramatist, translator, and art-critic from Kashmir in India.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 6, 2025
3 stars for its existence, basically.
Less of a satire but more of a cultural commentary, the novel provides journey of two courtesans -one who is a shrewd and becomes "mother" to another. The story as such is quite exaggerated and it shows. Its as if the author is responding to folks who would casually say "all women are wily foxes" or some such poetic underhanded misogynistic statements. Still, its a decent story of a woman teaching another woman how to find a mark, swindle and make sure to never get caught.
Sometimes funny, sometimes silly, it provides hoard of information about present day Kashmir, and the lifestyle that once existed.
Less of a satire but more of a cultural commentary, the novel provides journey of two courtesans -one who is a shrewd and becomes "mother" to another. The story as such is quite exaggerated and it shows. Its as if the author is responding to folks who would casually say "all women are wily foxes" or some such poetic underhanded misogynistic statements. Still, its a decent story of a woman teaching another woman how to find a mark, swindle and make sure to never get caught.
Sometimes funny, sometimes silly, it provides hoard of information about present day Kashmir, and the lifestyle that once existed.
September 15, 2017
Contrary to what the imposed pseudo-morals of Victorian era have made us Indians believe in and pretend to be, the ancient India was not just a land of naked ascetics and spiritual seekers. The ancient ‘Bharat Varsha’ was a land that remained unabashed in its carnal pursuits too. In fact, we Indians treated Pleasure as one of the worthy pursuits of life, as every treatise on politics and philosophy stands testimony to, with its listing of the four-fold pursuits - ‘Dharma’ (Righteousness), ‘Artha’ (Wealth), ‘Kama (Pleasure) and ‘Moksha’ (Salvation).
While there have been treatises purely on physical pleasure, like the Kama Sutra and the Kokkoka, there are also spiritual works soaked in eroticism, like the famed ‘Geet Govind’ of Jayadeva. This work neither belongs to the literary class nor is its content on par with any of the aforementioned works, but still it demands attention on its own right. What else can you say about a book that acts as both a manual for courtesans as well as a warning to the gentle folk against their guiles?
Kalavati is a courtesan with a waning clientele in a ‘competitive’ market. Worried about her future, she seeks advice from barber Kanka. Kanka in turn makes her avail the help of Kankali, a wily courtesan in her golden days but now a loathsome hag. Kankali helps Kalavati settle her future by seducing and scamming the gullible young son of a greedy, wealthy merchant. The book starts with Kalavati expressing her concerns to the friendly barber, the barber elaborating the exploits of Kankali and ends with Kankali helping Kalavati by imparting her ‘wisdom’ and ensnaring a young prey, exploiting his wealth.
A breezy little read that attempts to protect the good men from the clutches of such crooked courtesans. If only men would listen!
While there have been treatises purely on physical pleasure, like the Kama Sutra and the Kokkoka, there are also spiritual works soaked in eroticism, like the famed ‘Geet Govind’ of Jayadeva. This work neither belongs to the literary class nor is its content on par with any of the aforementioned works, but still it demands attention on its own right. What else can you say about a book that acts as both a manual for courtesans as well as a warning to the gentle folk against their guiles?
Kalavati is a courtesan with a waning clientele in a ‘competitive’ market. Worried about her future, she seeks advice from barber Kanka. Kanka in turn makes her avail the help of Kankali, a wily courtesan in her golden days but now a loathsome hag. Kankali helps Kalavati settle her future by seducing and scamming the gullible young son of a greedy, wealthy merchant. The book starts with Kalavati expressing her concerns to the friendly barber, the barber elaborating the exploits of Kankali and ends with Kankali helping Kalavati by imparting her ‘wisdom’ and ensnaring a young prey, exploiting his wealth.
A breezy little read that attempts to protect the good men from the clutches of such crooked courtesans. If only men would listen!
October 5, 2021
My new career goal is to fornicate day and night and swindle rich men of their money
November 7, 2024
This has been an excellent curiosity fix and an inspiration! I was curious how an 11th century satire would pan out. It was also a nice surprise, for this translation of a Sanskrit satirical novel afforded a 'Eureka!' moment to me as a translator. A double boon, truly!
The Courtesan's Keeper: Samaya Matrika follows the story of Kankali, a retired courtesan - a super courtesan, in a way. To me she's more of a super harlot, eheheheh - as she guides her new protege Kalavati.
Kalavati sought Kankali's guidance after her grandmother (akin to today's mama-san or manager) passed away in a fit of gluttony eating Kalavati's prescription by a shady doctor (got to love the way the author penned this satire! The translator did a splendid job too!).
The novel first gave us Kankali's background, as to why she is the one most suitable to replace Kalavati's grandmother. Boy, it was a rollercoaster ride, her background.
The writer brilliantly painted how the society was back then. There's a myriad of interesting characters from different walks of life. The way they're succinctly described in two or three lines were also the highlights of this work. Crisp but informative!
After a fast but efficient analysis of several prospects, Kankali's money was put on the merchant's son as the next one for Kalavati to captivate. Yes, it was a business of captivation and beeing captivated. And so we see how it was done. Slyly and brazenly, of course.
I had fun reading Samaya Matrika. Give it a try, you won't regret it.
The Courtesan's Keeper: Samaya Matrika follows the story of Kankali, a retired courtesan - a super courtesan, in a way. To me she's more of a super harlot, eheheheh - as she guides her new protege Kalavati.
Kalavati sought Kankali's guidance after her grandmother (akin to today's mama-san or manager) passed away in a fit of gluttony eating Kalavati's prescription by a shady doctor (got to love the way the author penned this satire! The translator did a splendid job too!).
The novel first gave us Kankali's background, as to why she is the one most suitable to replace Kalavati's grandmother. Boy, it was a rollercoaster ride, her background.
The writer brilliantly painted how the society was back then. There's a myriad of interesting characters from different walks of life. The way they're succinctly described in two or three lines were also the highlights of this work. Crisp but informative!
After a fast but efficient analysis of several prospects, Kankali's money was put on the merchant's son as the next one for Kalavati to captivate. Yes, it was a business of captivation and beeing captivated. And so we see how it was done. Slyly and brazenly, of course.
I had fun reading Samaya Matrika. Give it a try, you won't regret it.
September 23, 2023
Very insightful and helpful introduction and a highly readable translation. Gives insight about life and culture in 11th century Kashmir with references to other parts of India like Patilputra (Patna), Raja Bhoj of Malwa, Turushkas (turks) etc. Also shows that world's oldest trade was quite prevalent and flourishing even in the olden days.
June 22, 2018
Considering how old the original work is (2nd century CE), I was surprised by how "modern" it was in many aspects. Of course reading a text in translation is not the same as reading the original and its quite possible that the bold tone is of the contemporary translator. Still, it is interesting to read this not only as a satire but also as a glimpse into the life in Kashmir at that time. I was particularly struck by the introductory speech of Kankali (the keeper) to her courtesan Kalavati, in which she emphasis the importance of monetary wealth, which has the power to wipe away all sins. All other shortcomings are, according to her, forgiven and forgotten if the person has enough money.
In some ways the story clearly belongs to another time and world, but in many of the core matters - such as moral corruption, it fits in seamlessly to today's issues. Over all the work is quite short and the passages are very poetic, even in translation. There's a beauty in how the words connect and the sentences flow.
In some ways the story clearly belongs to another time and world, but in many of the core matters - such as moral corruption, it fits in seamlessly to today's issues. Over all the work is quite short and the passages are very poetic, even in translation. There's a beauty in how the words connect and the sentences flow.
July 6, 2015
A highly readable translation of a Sanskrit writer little known outside of India. The Courtesan's Keeper is a cheeky, prose translation of what was originally a poetic satire. Rich in irony and sensuous similes (one gets a sense of what a joy it must've been to read in it's original "Kavya" form), this work provides a glimpse into Pre-Islam, medieval Kashmir.
Rather than the stereotype of a people constantly absorbed in devotion to God and meditation, we find in their nature a mirror to our own. The characters are sketched vividly and many of the (rather cynical) social observations still ring true today. Perhaps it's because of my Indian heritage, but I found this to be an extremely charming novella.
Rather than the stereotype of a people constantly absorbed in devotion to God and meditation, we find in their nature a mirror to our own. The characters are sketched vividly and many of the (rather cynical) social observations still ring true today. Perhaps it's because of my Indian heritage, but I found this to be an extremely charming novella.
September 20, 2014
This book is interesting from a sociological perspective, I guess and it is fun to observe what Kashmir might have been like a thousand years ago. But I have to admit that I got bored along the way. The good thing is that it is short so I was able to finish it nevertheless.
March 19, 2015
Despite being a student of Sanskrit, I happened to read this book in English. Thanks to the translator. This is a funny book and nicely translated. Not for sex-seekers!
February 1, 2015
Kinda boring kinda interesting. Couldn't have been able to read it if it was any longer
July 12, 2016
By the time you read half of this, you'll either be wondering what made you buy/issue the book or you might have already gone half crazy. a thumbs-down from my side!
Not worth investing time.
Not worth investing time.
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April 15, 2022post 1037 (d. 1070)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews