The Glorious Role of Tawaifs (Courtesans) In The Freedom Struggle of India

Find out about the political, social, and intellectual contributions of the Tawaifs in the Freedom struggle of India with the help of narration, pictures, enactment, and music. The tales of Begum Hazrat Mahal, Azeezun Bai, Gauhar Jaan, Vidyadhari Bai & Husna Bai – the story of their sacrifices and how they strategized, acted as allies with the freedom fighters and provided their places for meetings and for hiding them when the country needed them the most.   The word ‘Tawaif’ was not always associated with abuse, but the Tawaifs of the pre-independence era enjoyed a high status in society, and were known for their etiquettes and art of conversation. Many of the Tawaif gloriously participated in the freedom movement and took charge physically and intellectually in the face of adversity. Although, many of the stories of valor, heroism and patriotism have long been forgotten because Britishers tagged them as ‘Nautch Girls’; however contributed immensely to the revolution.  “In Delhi and Lucknow, even colonial accounts mention a few Tawaifs who took part in the battle,” says Saba Deewan in her book “Tawaifnama”. We must remember these women fighters as we remember the acts of Rani Laxmi Bai.  Perhaps, it’ll be possible to share the chronicles more easily if society burns the prejudices that are associated with one’s profession and look only at the intentions and contributions.   Watch the video and learn more about the brave acts of the Tawaifs who played a glorious role in India’s Freedom struggle. Let’s also discover other such stories, like that of Dharmman Bibi who rode into the battlefield with her newborn twins, strapped to her - let’s go beyond what is mentioned in the history textbooks and discover the real truth of India’s freedom Struggle.

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