Nagarvadhu or Nagar Vadhu ( Devanagari: नगरवधू) ("bride of the city") was a tradition followed in some parts of Vedic 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.
Nagarvadhu or Nagar Vadhu ( Devanagari: नगरवधू) ("bride of the city") was a tradition followed in some parts of Vedic 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.