Nautch Girls of India: Dancers, Singers, Playmates
Ravi Kumar Publisher (1996)
The Nautch girl as an entertainer of men belonged to a unique class of courtesans who played a significant role in the social and cultural life of India in the 18th and 18th centuries. She represented a delightful synthesis of different cultures and dance forms - the classical and the popular. The Nautch girls had refined manners, a ready wit and poetry in her blood. She catered to the tastes of the elite who had the time, resources and aptitude to enjoy her company. Over the centuries, she appeared in various incarnations, but chiefly as a temple dancer dedicated to the gods, for dance is believed to have divine sanction.
This book attempts to traces her emergence in the Mughal era when she reached the zenith of her glory, her popularity among the English Sahibs and the Indian aristocracy during the Raj and finally her decline and demise at the hands of misguided zealtos.
Sumptuourly illustrated with reproductions of the finest paintings and drawings obtained from the collections all over the world, 'Nautch Girls of India' presents an authentic view of dance entertainment especially during the raj.
Contents : From Apsara to the Nautch Girls; Sahibs as Patrons and Spectators; Rhythms and Melodies; Customs and Manners; Famous Nautch Girls; Sex and the Nautch Girls; Farewell to the Nautch Girl; Epilogur; Afterword : The Dance Foot - by Mulk Raj Anand.
To order a copy, contact:
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Variety Book Depot
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AVG Bhawan
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M-3 Connaught Circus
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P.O. BOX 505
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New Delhi - 110001
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India
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Tel: +91 11 234 17175, +91 11 23412567, +91 11 234 15030
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Fax: +91 11 234 15335, +91 11 51517201
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email : varietybookdepot@rediffmail.com, artmesh@yahoo.com
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