Manusmriti Chapter 9 Verse 225 -

: If she has a son, he becomes her lord; otherwise, her relative or brother assumes the role.

Why were dancers ( kuśīlavān ) grouped with "cruel men"? In ancient legal contexts, itinerant performers were often viewed with suspicion because they were mobile, difficult to tax, and sometimes associated with the "frivolous" side of life that distracted people from their duties ( dharma ). manusmriti chapter 9 verse 225