Dharmman Bibi fought alongside her lover Babu Kunwar Singh during the 1857 revolt, while Sadabahar captivated all with her music, ultimately dedicating her voice to Baba Court Shaheed. Her foster mothers, Bullan and Kallan, battled their corrupt brother and oppressive colonial laws, taking their fight to the Privy Council, but lost everything. Their great-granddaughter Teema bore the brunt of the family's downfall, sacrificing her childhood and body. The stories of Bindo, Asghari, Phoolmani, and Pyaari weave a rich tapestry of this family's legacy. As one of the renowned tawaifs, you remember the tales of your foremothers and your own. This narrative chronicles the lives of a family of tawaifs from Banaras and Bhabua, revealing the complexities often overlooked in traditional histories. Tawaifs were integral to the cultural fabric of northern India, skilled in music and dance, and served as companions to the elite. They contributed to the evolution of kathak and the purab ang thumri of Banaras. Despite their cultural significance and literacy, tawaifs faced societal stigma, which intensified during colonial and nationalist periods, leading to their criminalization and the dismantling of their community. This work captures that transformative journey, presenting a nuanced microhistory within the broader context of Indian history.
