These are the 5 most famous courtesans of the country, whose voice and style adored even the greatest kings, even today their names are taken with respect

 

Famous Courtesans Of India: In the Mughal era, the work of courtesans was to dance, sing and entertain. This trend continued during the British era as well. At that time, courtesans (Famous Courtesans Of India) were considered schools of etiquette. Boys from families of the upper class of the society used to go to their brothels to learn etiquette. So that they could learn the manners of socializing. Today, even though the name of courtesans has been associated with prostitution, but in reality, they were associated with music, dance, etiquette, elegance and art.

There are many such courtesans who ruled the hearts of people with their skills. In this article, we are going to tell you about those courtesans of India whose names are still taken with respect.

1. Gauhar Jaan

Gauhar Jaan is called the country's first millionaire singer, but her childhood was very painful. She not only saw her parents divorce at a young age, but also suffered the pain of rape at the age of 13. She was born in a Christian family on 26 June 1873. Earlier her name was Angelina Yoward. When Angelina was 6 years old, her parents got divorced. After which her mother married a man named Malak Jaan from Calcutta and converted to Islam. Malak Jaan named Angelina Gauhar Jaan (Famous Courtesans of India).

Gauhar, who took Indian music to the pinnacle, was a victim of exploitation in real life. Yet she overcame exploitation and made her mark in the world of music and became a successful singer and dancer. She recorded more than 600 songs in more than 10 languages. Gauhar Jaan spread Hindustani music far and wide through her Thumri, Dadra, Kajri, Chaiti, Bhajan and Tarana. She was the most expensive singer of the 19th century. It is said that she used to sing in a mehfil (meeting) by taking a hundred gold coins.

2. Begum Hazrat Mahal

Begum Hazrat Mahal (Famous Courtesans of India) was very beautiful, many Nawabs and Kings were crazy about her. Her real name was Muhammad Khanam. She was also called Begum of Awadh. She was included in the royal harem as a Khawasin. Later, Nawab of Awadh Wajid Ali Shah married her. After marriage, she was named Hazrat Mahal. When the British attacked, the Nawab fled but Hazrat Mahal took charge and became a freedom fighter by fighting the British. She had made life difficult for the British. Later, she also had to flee and she went to Nepal.

3. Zohra Bai

She was known as Joharabai (Famous Courtesans of India) Aagarwali. She was well versed in Indian classical music and was also known for her masculine voice. After Gauhar Jaan, she became famous in singing. She received training from musicians like Ustad Sher Khan.

4. Rasool Bai

Rasoolan Bai (Famous Courtesans of India) was also very beautiful. This great singer of Banaras Gharana was born in a poor family in 1902. She became famous after getting training from her mother and Ustad Shamu Khan. Rasoolan Bai is the artist whom Ustad Bismillah Khan used to mention with great respect. He used to call her a divine voice.

5. Jaddanbai

She was also a musician. Jaddabai (Famous Courtesans of India) was born in 1892. Her name was famous in the world of music. She was the mother of film actress Nargis and grandmother of Sanjay Dutt. She was adept in different skills like singer, music composer, actress and film maker. She was also the first female music director of the Indian film industry.