Nagarvadhu

Nagarvadhu (also Nagaravadhu or Nagar Vadhu; Devanagari: नगरवधू; lit.

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.

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