An elaboration on Dewan’s “The Other Song,” Tawaifnama is a beautifully written and detailed ethnography on tawaif communities in Varanasi, Lucknow, and Muzaffarpur, India. Given the length of the book, participants are encouraged to focus on the chapters “Ibtida,” “Dharmman Bibi,” “The Arrival of Umrao," “Pyaari Bai: Radio Singer,” “The Law,” and “Kab Tak Mere Maula.”
We enthusiastically encourage anyone unable to purchase or read the book to still participate in the discussion group, which will broadly reflect on the political and social circumstances that shape femme artists’ contributions in post-colonial South Asia. Participants are also encouraged to watch “The Other Song” and self-educate (to the extent possible) on experiences of gendered discrimination, cultural appropriation, and the history of tawaifs.
Tawaifnama is available in print and ebook versions from many online retailers. Dewan’s documentary “The Other Song” can be found on Youtube.
RSVP for all 4 events in this series at the Join Us link.