Cambridge University Press Cambridge Studies in Modern Theatre - Nautch Dancers in India

Explore the complex history of subaltern, illicit, and courtesan dancers in India through this academic study from Cambridge University Press. During colonial subjugation, these dancers challenged racist, casteist, and patriarchal systems of thought. This book traces the history of the criminalized 'nautch' dancer across various timelines and locations, from colonial human exhibits in London to open-air concerts in Kolkata. By combining historiography and archival research with close reading, the text examines diverse materials including heritage Bengali bazaar art, matchbox labels, and scrapbooks. This work connects the late nineteenth century to the modern world, providing a deep look at how these performers were vilified by both British colonialism and Indian nationalism.