Nagarvadhu: What history called a prostitute, religion considered a goddess!

On hearing the word ‘Nagarvadhu’, a negative image emerges in modern society, but in ancient India it was considered a prestigious title. This tradition was not limited only to dance or singing, but it had an excellent confluence of beauty, scholarship, art and culture. Let us know how the role of the city was seen in religion and scriptures.

Who was called the city? (Nagarvadhu kise kahete hain)
‘Nagarvadhu’ literally means ‘the bride of the city’ i.e. the best woman of a city, which the society has honored by considering it unique in the field of art, culture and entertainment. It was not a normal woman; Rather, she was beautiful and superior in terms of dance, music, poetry and form.

The townships did not marry, she was considered the heritage of the society. She was equally available to everyone from the king to the common man, but only for the taste of art and beauty, not only for the fulfillment of erotic desires.

What are religious and mythological references to the city?

• Municipal mention in Mahabharata: In the Mahabharata, the story of ‘Ambika’ and ‘Ambalika”s sister’ Ambaba ‘indicates to become a town -in -law. When Abba was not considered marriageable, she lived freely and impressed many people.
• Vaishali’s most famous Nagar Vidhu-Amrapali: Source: A detailed mention of Amrapali is found in ‘Mahavansh’ (Buddhist texts) and ‘Jincharit’. Amrapali was the city of Republic of Vaishali and was extremely well -known, intelligent and proficient in dance. Lord Mahatma Buddha himself stayed in Amrapali’s Amradian (garden). Later, Amrapali became a monk, influenced by Buddha.

This incident shows that it was not an irreligious task to be a city. The society used to respect her like the goddess of art, and he too did not hesitate to adopt the spiritual path.

What did Chanakya say?
Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, describes different rules and tax system for the townships in his book ‘Economics’. It is clear from this that it was not a hidden or condemnable work, but part of the organized social structure.

Natyashastra (Bharatamuni): ‘Natyashastra’ describes women who were expert in dance, acting and singing. The townships were also proficient in these arts.

Municipal and religious approach:

• In Hinduism: Art, especially dance and music, are associated with Goddess Saraswati and Nataraja Shiva. Some scholars are of the opinion that the city was a nutritious of these arts, so it is not appropriate to call them anti -religion.
• In Buddhism: The life of Amrapali is a proof that Buddhism adopted all classes, whether it is a municipal or a king. Buddha allowed Amrapali to become a monk, which is a proof that the city can also make spiritual progress.

Some scholars believe that today the word ‘Nagarvadhu’ is used in a neglected and derogatory context, which is the result of cultural ignorance. We have to understand that any tradition should be understood in its historical and social perspective. The tradition of ‘Nagarvadhu’ was not against religion, but it was part of the cultural development of society. Whether it is Amrapali or other municipalities, these women gave a new dimension of art, beauty and ideological freedom to society in their era. Religions also did not reject them, but accepted them with respect. Religious texts like Mahabharata, Buddhist texts also confirm this.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q1. Was the city prostitute a prostitute?
Answer: No, the city was a cultural institution. She was skilled in dance, music and art and was honored by the society.

Q2. Who was Amrapali?
Answer: Amrapali was the famous Nagarvadhu of Vaishali, who later adopted Buddhism and became a monk.

Q3. Did the citywriter had a relationship with religion?
Answer: Yes, the townspeople have not been denied in religious texts. Buddhist and Hinduism have accepted him in a respected form.