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Tawaif Mah Laqa Bai singing poetry. A tawaif was a highly successful courtesan singer‚ dancer‚ and poet who catered to the nobility of the Indian subcontinent, particularly during the Mughal era. Many tawaifs (nautch girls to the British) were forced to go into prostitution due to a lack of opportunities by the time of the British Raj.
Dec 13, 2022 · A tawaif was a highly sophisticated courtesan of the Indian subcontinent, proficient in music and dance. Etymologists believe that the word Tawaif comes from the Arabic word ‘tauf’ or ‘tawaf’, which means circling around and has no derogatory connotation attached to it.
A Tawaif, historically known as a courtesan, is a term predominantly used in the Indian subcontinent to denote a woman skilled in classical music, dance, and poetry, often associated with the Mughal era and later periods.
Jul 7, 2021 · Tawaifs were elite courtesans who performed music and dance in pre-colonial India, but faced marginalization and erasure under colonialism and nationalism. Saba Dewan's book Tawaifnama explores the role, status, and legacy of tawaifs in Indian society and culture.
May 14, 2019 · Learn how India's courtesans, or tawaifs, played a pivotal role in the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny against the British East India Company. Explore their history, culture, and legacy through stories, research, and art.
Apr 8, 2020 · Tawaifs were highly sophisticated dancers and singers who graced the Mughal courts with their performances. Often misunderstood to be the modern-day courtesan (prostitute), they were originally known as courtiers who performed for the Mughal courts.
An influential cultural force until the middle of the 20th century, tawaifs enjoyed considerable stature, wealth, and property, as well as the support of wealthy patrons. Trained in music, dance, languages, and the erotic arts, tawaifs were also the lovers of their patrons.
