Nagarvadhu

Nagarvadhu (also Nagaravadhu or Nagar Vadhu; Devanagari: नगरवधू; lit. 'bride of the city') 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.^[1] The most beautiful woman, and most talented in various dance forms, was chosen as the Nagarvadhu.

A nagarvadhu was respected, and she was a royal courtesan; people could watch her dance and sing.^[2] A Nagarvadhu's price for a single night's dance was very high, and she was only within the reach of the very rich – the emperors, kings, princes and lords.

1. ^ Spectrum lead article, The Sunday Tribune, 24 Dec 2000
2. ^ "In human history, how did marriage evolve, and the subjugation of women?". Sophia University. Bulgaria. Archived from the original on 11 March 2018. Retrieved 9 February 2014.

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