Nagarvadhu(alsoNagaravadhuorNagar Vadhu;Devanagari:नगरवधू;lit. 'bride of the city') was a tradition followed in some parts ofancient India.
Women competed to win the title of a nagarvadhu, and there was notabooagainst the practice.[1]The most beautiful woman, and most talented in variousdance forms,was chosen as the Nagarvadhu.
A nagarvadhu was respected, and she was aroyalcourtesan;people could watch her dance and sing.[2]A Nagarvadhu's price for a single night's dance was very high, and she was only within the reach of the very rich – theemperors,kings,princesandlords.
Famous nagarvadhus
edit- Amrapali,state courtesan and Buddhist disciple, described inVaishali Ki NagarvadhubyAcharya Chatursen
- Vasantasena,a character in the classic Sanskrit story ofMricchakatika,written in the 2nd century BC byŚūdraka
- Madhavi,a character in the classic Tamil story ofSilappatikaram,written byIlango Adigal
See also
edit- Devadasi
- Deuki
- Ca trù,a similar profession in Vietnam
- Qiyan,a similar profession in Arab
- Geisha,a similar profession in Japan
- Shirabyōshi,a similar profession in Japan
- Kisaeng,a similar profession in Korea
- Gaṇikā,a similar profession in India
- Tawaif,a similar profession in India
- Gējì,a similar profession in China
References
edit- ^Spectrum lead article,The Sunday Tribune,24 Dec 2000
- ^"In human history, how did marriage evolve, and the subjugation of women?".Sophia University.Bulgaria.Archivedfrom the original on 11 March 2018.Retrieved9 February2014.
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