The advent of the Mughal Era in India saw a golden age for literature, poetry, music and dance. All forms of art flourished under the patronage of the royal families. This era also saw the emergence of courtesans (or baijis) and court dancers all over India. Though these concubines were generally looked down upon, they were actually singularly responsible for the preservation of several music and dance forms existing in India even today. Courtesans were fine, cultured women, who knew the social graces and also had great knowledge of the Arts. This fascinated the men, who would often relate to them intellectually as well.
Courtesans would dance in the court of the King, entertaining him and all the other people associated with the uppermost sections of the society. Many of them were also associated with the flesh trade and this is the reason why the profession was looked down upon by the society at large. India has produced several brilliant courtesans, such as Ghalib's muse, Mughal Jaan, Gauhar Jaan, Umraao Jaan, Begum Sumroo and Mastani.
Featured here is an image of two beautiful courtesans sitting beside each other, composing the lyrics and the music for a forthcoming music and dance session. An old sarangi player sits by their side, offering them accompaniment for their music.
The advent of the Mughal Era in India saw a golden age for literature, poetry, music and dance. All forms of art flourished under the patronage of the royal families. This era also saw the emergence of courtesans (or baijis) and court dancers all over India. Though these concubines were generally looked down upon, they were actually singularly responsible for the preservation of several music and dance forms existing in India even today. Courtesans were fine, cultured women, who knew the social graces and also had great knowledge of the Arts. This fascinated the men, who would often relate to them intellectually as well. Courtesans would dance in the court of the King, entertaining him and all the other people associated with the uppermost sections of the society. Many of them were also associated with the flesh trade and this is the reason why the profession was looked down upon by the society at large. India has produced several brilliant courtesans, such as Ghalib's muse, Mughal Jaan, Gauhar Jaan, Umraao Jaan, Begum Sumroo and Mastani. Featured here is an image of two beautiful courtesans sitting beside each other, composing the lyrics and the music for a forthcoming music and dance session. An old sarangi player sits by their side, offering them accompaniment for their music.)
