Heeramandi
A Critical Review on the Role of the Courtesans in India's Independence Struggle
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 19490344 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Sudhir Kumar Patnaik (0000-0002-9119-6787, GITAM University), Nikhil Kumar Gouda (0000-0003-2797-174X, Central University of Odisha), Rijitha R (Central University of Tamil Nadu) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 7 |
| Issue | 2s |
| Publication date | 2026-03-27 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2582-7472 • E-ISSN: 2582-7472 |
| Publisher | Granthaalayah Publications and Printers (PUBLISHER • IN) |
| DOI | 10.29121/shodhkosh.v7.i2s.2026.7094 |
| OpenAlex | W7140988012 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 1 |
Media played an important role in disseminating the anti-colonial sentiments during India's freedom movement. Many cultural shows, dramas, and local festivals were used as a medium to spread secret messages and unite people against the British. Women, particularly the courtesans (tawaifs), contributed significantly through their unique social and artistic positions. Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar (2024) dramatizes these contributions, fusing fact with fiction to demonstrate how artistic expression functioned as a vehicle for rebellion. This paper explores the portrayal of courtesans as agents of alternative media and evaluates the balance between historical accuracy and cinematic romanticization
Bazaar · Freedom of expression · Narrative · Social media · South Asian Cinema and Culture · South Asian Studies and Conflicts · South Asian Studies and Diaspora
| Highly cited | No |
|---|