Tawaif

A ''tawaif'' was a highly successful entertainer who catered to the nobility of the Indian subcontinent, particularly during the Mughal era. The tawaifs excelled in and contributed to music, dance ( mujra), theatre, and the Urdu. Tawaifs were largely a North Indian institution central to Mughal court culture from the 16th century onwards and became even more prominent with the weakening of Mughal rule in the mid-18th century. They contributed significantly to the continuation of traditional dance and music forms and then to the emergence of modern Indian cinema.

History

The patronage of the Mughal court before and after the Mughal Dynasty in the Doab region and the artistic atmosphere of 16th century Lucknow made arts-related careers a viable prospect. Many girls were taken at a young age and trained in both performing arts (such as Kathak and Hindustani classical music) as well as literature (ghazal, thumri) to high standards. Once they had matured and possessed a sufficient command over dancing and singing, they became a ''tawaif'', high-class courtesans who served the rich and noble.

The ''tawaif's'' introduction into her profession was marked by a celebration, the so-called ''missī'' ceremony, that customarily included the inaugural blackening of her teeth.

It is also believed that young nawabs-to-be were sent to these "tawaifs" to learn "tameez" and "tehzeeb" which included the ability to differentiate and appreciate good music and literature, perhaps even practice it, especially the art of ghazal writing. By the 18th century, they had become the central element of polite, refined culture in North India.

The tawaifs would dance, sing (especially ghazals), recite poetry (shairi) and entertain their suitors at mehfils. Like the geisha tradition in Japan, their main purpose was to professionally entertain their guests, and while sex was often incidental, it was not assured contractually. High-class or the most popular tawaifs could often pick and choose among the best of their suitors.

Some of the popular tawaifs were Begum Samru (who rose to rule the principality of Sardhana in western Uttar Pradesh), Moran Sarkar (who became the wife of Maharaja Ranjit Singh), Wazeeran (patronised by Lucknow's last nawab Wajid Ali Shah), Begum Hazrat Mahal (Wajid Ali's first wife who played an important role in the Indian Rebellion), Gauhar Jaan (a notable classical singer who sang for India's first-ever record), and Zohrabai Agrewali.

Decline

The annexation of Oudh by the East India Company in 1856 sounded the first death-knell for this medieval-era institution. It was soon looked upon with disfavour by the colonial government, and the tawaif were eventually forced to go into prostitution due to a lack of employment opportunities. Social reformers in India opposed them as social decadence. The institutions survived until India's independence in 1947. Some of the famous tawaifs include:

* Malka Jaan, and daughter Gauhar Jaan (1873–1930) who created the very first Indian song recording in 1902.
* Jaddanbai (1892–1949) – a master music composer, singer, actress, and film maker.
* Binodini Dasi (1862–1941)
* Rasoolan Bai (1902 – 15 December 1974)
* Roshan Ara Begum (1917 – 6 December 1982) Sitara-e-Imtiaz
* Zareena Begum of Lucknow (1947 – 12 May 2018)

They used to be the only source of popular music and dance and were often invited to perform on weddings and other occasions. Some of them became concubines and wives of maharajas and wealthy individuals. They were the first singers to record on gramophone with the emergence of that new technology. With the emergence of movies, however, they lost popularity.

Popular culture

In Films

The image of the tawaif has had an enduring appeal, immortalized in Bollywood movies and Pakistani dramas.
Films with a tawaif as a central character include
*''Devdas'' (1955)
*''Pyaasa'' (1957)
* Sadhna (1958)
*'' Zindagi Ya Toofan'' (1958)
*''Sharafat'' (1970)
*'' Pakeezah'' (1972)
* '' Gomti Ke Kinare'' (1972)
*'' Amar Prem'' (1972)
* '' Umrao Jaan'' (1981)
* '' Tawaif'' (1985)
* '' Angaaray'' (1986)
*''Inteqam'' (1988)
*'' Pati Patni Aur Tawaif'' (1990)
*''Dil Aashna Hai'' (1992)
*''Devdas'' (2002)
*'' Mangal Pandey: The Rising'' (2005)
*'' Umrao Jaan'' (2006)
*'' Bol'' (2011)
*''Bazaar e husn''(2014)
* ''Mah e Mir'' (2016)
*''Kalank'' (2019)
*''The Black Woman''(Depicts a tawaif in a supporting role, often in situations where a man in a loveless marriage goes to her.)

In Indian Drama Series

Lajwanti (TV series)

In Documentary films

*'' The Other Song'' (2009)

In Pakistani dramas

*'' Deewar-e-Shab'' (2019)
*'' Umrao Jan Ada'' (2003)
* Anjuman (a television film)
*'' Sitam'' (2006)
*''Alif Allah Aur Insaan'' (2017)
*'' Raqs e Bismil'' (2020)
*'' Khuda Aur Mohabbat (season 3)'' (2021).

In Literature

*''Tawaifnama''by Saba Dewan

See also

* Similar professions in other cultures
** Almah, a similar profession in the Middle East
** Ca trù, a similar profession in Vietnam
** Geisha, a similar profession in Japan
** Kisaeng, a similar profession in Korea
** Oiran, a similar profession in ancient Japan
** Nagarvadhu, a similar profession in ancient India
** Shamakhi dancers, a similar profession in Azerbaijan
** Yiji, a similar profession in China

* Similar topics in India
** Bargirl
** Dance bar
** Mujra
** Nautch
** Devdasi

* Related topics
** Prostitution in colonial India
** Prostitution in India

References

*

Further reading

* Martha Feldman, Bonnie Gordon.
The courtesan's arts: cross-cultural perspectives
'. pp. 312–352.

Essay on Asia art, history, epigraphy and culture in Honour of Gouriswar Bhattacharya

External links

{{Alcohol in India

Obsolete occupations
Sex industry in India
Courtesans by type
Culture of Lucknow
Culture of Uttar Pradesh