Nagarvadhu (also Nagaravadhu or Nagar Vadhu; Devanagari: नगरवधू; ) 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.Spectrum lead article, The Sunday Tribune, 24 Dec 2000 The most beautiful woman, and most talented in various dance forms, was chosen as the Nagarvadhu.
A nagarvadhu was a royal courtesan; people could watch her dance and sing. A Nagarvadhu's price for a single night's dance was very high, and was only accessible to the wealthy, such as 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