Tawaif The Tawaif were entertainers, artisans and courtesans who reached their peak of influence in the Mughal era of India in the 16th to the 19th Century. Most associate Tawaif an Indian background however The word "tawaif" is of Arabic origin and the plural form of the Arabic "Taifa", and meant "group". Tawaif were originally thought to have entertained Muslim nobility and many feel there are similarities between the dancing dress of Indian Tawaif and more traditional Arabis dancers (sometimes called belly dancers). The Tawaif are also partly responsible for the development of some Indian music and dance. These women eventually catered to the rich and nobility of a wide variety origins and were known for their education, refinement and artistic talents. After the collapse of the Mongol empire in India (and other places) there were numerous autonomous Kingdoms with nobility, and those acquiring new wealth who were starved for culture and entertainment. The Tawaif evolved to fill this need. Many girls were taken at a young age and trained in the performing arts and in literature to serve as entertainers. Once they had mastered singing and dancing they would become high-class courtesans for nobility and to those of means. In many cases they would continue their education in the arts and, in a time and place when most women were illiterate, were some of the most educated women in Asia. They maintained respect and were socially accepted, to the point it was not uncommon for noble women to take their children to a Tawaif for instruction in the arts and writing. A number of Tawaif rose to positions of power and influence; for example, Begum Samru became the ruler of the Principality of Sardhana, or Moran Sarakar who became Queen after marrying of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Both, as most Tawaifs, were known to be knowledgeable in the arts, writing, and for being philanthropists. Tawaifs were similar to the geishas of Japan. They excelled in the arts of poetry, music, dancing, singing, and were often considered to be the authority on etiquette. By the 18th century they had become a central element in polite, refined north Indian culture. However, they also provide entertainment of the more erotic variety; it was the latter activity that contributed to their downfall. From 1757 India was under the control of the British (first the East India Company and then the Crown) and the English long before the Victorian Era were somewhat puritanical and evangelical in their viewpoint. There was an outcry against the Tawaif (who were often incorrectly co-mingled the Devadasi � temple dancers� and sex providers) and they were painted as simple prostitutes. By the Victorian Era in the late 1800�s the oppression and restrictions on them caused the few true Tawaif who remained to become simple street walkers and prostitutes to feed themselves. In India today usually one referred to as a Tawaif is a mere shadow of the their cultural beginnings� with their main purpose being sex with little regard to the arts. ------- V4 - Old Daz Indian Princess for V3 outfit (applied to V4, some tochups to texture), various Jewelry. Border modified in Illustrator (new toy for me - YAY!) Postwork on PS CS3 Hope you like her, Rick