Nautch
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The nautch was a popular court dance performed by girls in later Mughal and colonial India. The word "nautch" was a British corruption of "Nach", the Bengali word for dancing. In the early part of the
Nautch dancers in Old Delhi, c. 1874
Nautch dancer in Calcutta, c. 1900
A Raja awaits the arrival of Nautch dancers
A Nautch girl performing, 1862
Tawaif
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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. With fewer opportunities available durin
Nautch
…became popular, and many rulers took dance girls in their entourages even at their battle-camps. The early British migrants to India were often given tawaifs as welcome gifts or rewards. In 18th century, young princes were sent to nautch girls to learn tehzeeb (elegance and court manners) and culture. During…
Tawaif Mah Laqa Bai singing poetry
Miniature painting showing Qudsiya Begum being entertained with fireworks and dance (1742 CE by Mir Miran)
Nautch girls in Kashmir, an albumen print by Frith, c. 1870s
Tawaif Mah Laqa Bai dancing in court