Nagarvadhu

"Nagaravadhu" redirects here. For the 2001 film, see Nagaravadhu (film).

Nagarvadhu (also Nagaravadhu or Nagar Vadhu; Devanagari: नगरवधू; lit. 'bride of the city') was a tradition followed in some parts of ancient India.

"Amrapali greets Buddha", ivory carving, National Museum, New Delhi. Amrapali was a celebrated nagarvadhu (royal courtesan) of the republic of Vaishali in 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.

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