Heeramandi on OTT: Before Sanjay Leela Bhansali's web series, check interesting facts about Kothewalis

Shivani Pawaskar Source: Bollywoodlife.com | Apr 03, 2024

The upcoming new web series stars Sonakshi, Aditi, Manisha, Sharmin, Sanjeeda and Richa to name a few. Today, a new song called Tilasmi Bahein will be dropped. 

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Before the song releases, here's looking at some interesting facts about the Kothewalis and their rich history. These are mentioned in Saba Dewan's book called Tawaifnama. 

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The Kothewalis were quite powerful and had such an influence that men would dream about back in the Mughal era.

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As per Saba's book, records have been found suggesting they were they belonged in the highest tax-paying bracket back then. 

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They were well-versed in a lot of things, unlike the other women of that age. Literature, politics, they learned it all. 

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There were some elite Kothewalis that were open only to wealthy patrons. Special concerts were organised for them.

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It is said that the Kothwalis were so rich back then that they even funded wars. They would send funds to the Kings for wars.  

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Unlike popular belief, the Kothewalis also performed at the temples and during festivals. It was considered as their devotion to God. 

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Nobles would send their kids to learn aadaab and tehzeeb from the Kothewalis. 

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They were the only women who could inherit properties back then. 

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Late actress Nargis' mother Jaddanbai was reportedly a former Kothewali. She stirred up the industry back then.

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The Kothewalis also suffered during the freedom struggle much like soldiers, nawabs and others.

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Kothewali enjoyed certain privileges, they were not forced to marry or bear children, unlike other women.

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Unfortunately, the Britishers robbed them of their identity. They blurred the lines between Kothewalis and sex workers. 

Source: Bollywoodlife.com

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