Unveil the Unseen: Discover the Untold Truths of Courtesans Beyond Bollywood

 

Mohe panghat pe nandlal chhed gayo re.... 

(Krishna teased me at the river bank and left...)

  

As I walked down the path, "Mohe Panghat Pe" played in my ears - a soothing melody that filled my heart with joy. The beauty of the song and the peacefulness of the surroundings brought a smile to my face as I strolled along. It was the perfect accompaniment to my evening walk, and one I will not soon forget. But do you know that this classic thumri, "Mohe Panghat Pe," was recorded by a tawaif, Indubala. It reminds us of the timelessness of music and also the fact that we have taken their (tawaif) music and their dances without giving them the acknowledgement and respect they deserve. As you read, I have endeavored to highlight the invaluable contributions of the tawaifs to Indian culture.

The glamorized version of courtesans often portrayed in Bollywood movies gives us a romanticized view of their lives. But the reality is far from this picture-perfect representation. While Bollywood may not teach us the truth behind the world of courtesans, it is still important to understand their history and the circumstances in which they lived. 

From the 1970s onwards, a new figure emerged: a woman who defied traditional gender roles and lived independently, engaging in unconventional relationships with men. She was neither a public entertainer nor a courtesan, but rather a pioneer of feminine autonomy, blurring the lines between public and private and redefining the notion of female power.

As societies evolved, courtesans were an integral part of the aristocracy, providing a unique and valuable service to those in power. They were admired and respected for their beauty, wit, and knowledge of the courtesan arts. Unfortunately, they were also misunderstood and judged harshly by their peers and society as a whole. 

Mughal Painting Showing a Kotha Scene

Courtesans were seen as a symbol of decadence and depravity, and were often used as a means of entertainment by the wealthy. Regrettably, this has been perpetuated in popular culture, particularly in Bollywood, where courtesans are portrayed as promiscuous women who exist to satisfy the desires of men. This representation has caused a great deal of harm to the reputation of courtesans, diminishing their true value and contribution to the world. 

It's a little known fact that before India gained independence, Jaddanbai, the mother of legendary actress Nargis, ran her own production house, Sangeet Films. Even more remarkable was the story of Kajjanbai, a pre-independence film actress who had her face used in an advertisement for talcum powder in England. Even though her story should be celebrated and remembered, unfortunately, very few people know about her. This is a travesty, considering the fact that Kajjanbai was a pioneering female performer in a time when women were not usually allowed to be on the silver screen. She was a woman of immense talent, but unfortunately, she was never truly celebrated in her own time, let alone in modern day India. 

This figure was a symbol of the shifting tides of women's rights. She was a defiant symbol of personal freedom and a reminder that women have the right to make their own choices, regardless of societal expectations.

We need to recognize the role of courtesans in our past and present and understand the importance of their art and contributions to society. Courtesans were cultural emissaries, providing a gateway to a world few were privileged enough to experience. They deserved to be respected and admired for the skills they possessed and the unique insight they provided into our culture. 

In conclusion, we must strive to recognize the art of the courtesan and the complexity of their lives. We must challenge the negative stereotypes that have been formed around them and create a more inclusive and accurate representation of their experiences. Their art should be celebrated and embraced, not shamed or degraded. It is essential that we recognize the courtesan's valuable contribution to society and acknowledge their place in history.