Work

Heeramandi: a Critical Review on the Role of the Courtesans in India's Independence Struggle

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: 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.

Source: ShodhKosh Journal of Visual and Performing Arts

DOI: 10.29121/shodhkosh.v7.i2s.2026.7094

Authors: Sudhir Kumar Patnaik, Nikhil Kumar Gouda, Rijitha R

Institutions: GMR Institute of Technology, Central University of Odisha, Central University of Tamil Nadu

Topic: South Asian Cinema and Culture

Subfield: Visual Arts and Performing Arts

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7140988012

FWCI:

Cites: 1

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