Nagarvadhu (also Nagaravadhu or Nagar Vadhu; Devanagari: नगरवधू; lit. 'bride of the city') was a tradition followed in some parts of ancient India.
Women competed to win the title of a nagarvadhu, and there was no taboo against the practice.[1] The most beautiful woman, and most talented in various dance forms, was chosen as the Nagarvadhu.
A nagarvadhu was respected, and she was a royal courtesan; 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 – the emperors, kings, princes and lords.
Famous nagarvadhus
- Amrapali, state courtesan and Buddhist disciple, described in Vaishali Ki Nagarvadhu by Acharya Chatursen
- Vasantasena, a character in the classic Sanskrit story of Mricchakatika, written in the 2nd century BC by Śūdraka
- Madhavi, a character in the classic Tamil story of Silappatikaram, written by Ilango Adigal
See also
- 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
- ↑ Spectrum lead article, The Sunday Tribune, 24 Dec 2000
- ↑ "In human history, how did marriage evolve, and the subjugation of women?". Sophia University. Bulgaria. Archived from the original on 11 March 2018. Retrieved 9 February 2014.
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