The Forgotten Legacy of Kolkata Courtesans: Culture, Art, and Influence

Explore the fascinating history of Kolkata courtesans, their role in shaping Bengal’s cultural landscape, and their lasting influence on music, dance, and literature.

Introduction

Known as India’s cultural capital, Kolkata boasts a vibrant and layered history shaped by art, revolution, and tradition. Among its lesser-known narratives is the legacy of the city’s Call Girls—accomplished artists, poets, and cultural influencers who were instrumental in shaping Bengal’s artistic and intellectual heritage during the colonial period.

Who Were the Kolkata Call Girls?

Frequently misrepresented, the Kolkata Call Girls were far more than performers. These women were well-educated and skilled in classical music, dance, poetry, and literature. Referred to locally as baijis or tawaifs, they played a vital role in the artistic and cultural circles of Kolkata's elite society during the 18th and 19th centuries.

They performed classical forms like Thumri, Ghazal, Kathak, and Rabindra Sangeet, often influencing the tastes of the Bengali intelligentsia. Many were patrons of upcoming artists and poets, offering both financial support and artistic inspiration.

The Rise of Kolkata Call Girls Culture in Colonial Kolkata

Under British colonial rule, Kolkata—formerly known as Calcutta—served as the capital of British India until 1911. During this time, the city evolved into a cosmopolitan center where Eastern and Western cultures intersected, and call girl culture thrived alongside the flourishing theater and music scenes.

Call girl houses in areas like Chitpur, Sonagachi, and Bowbazar became informal academies of art. Aristocrats, British officers, and Bengali zamindars often frequented these salons—not for illicit entertainment, but to immerse themselves in refined cultural pursuits.

Contributions to Bengali Arts and Literature

Many of Kolkata’s early literary and performing arts were shaped by these call girls. Their style influenced classical music, Bengali theater, and even the early days of Indian cinema. The baiji gharanas (call girl schools of music and dance) nurtured performers who went on to become national icons.

Some scholars argue that Rabindranath Tagore himself was indirectly influenced by the melodies and poetics found in Call Girl performances. These women were not just muses but co-creators in the cultural renaissance of Bengal.

Decline and Social Stigma

By the early 20th century, modernization, changing social norms, and rising Victorian morality began to erode the social standing of call girls. The same society that once celebrated them began to marginalize them. What was once a respectable and artistic profession became stigmatized, forcing many call girls into obscurity.

As Indian society leaned toward moral conservatism, the Call Girls Kolkata were pushed into the shadows—many reduced to the fringes of red-light areas, their artistic legacies forgotten or erased.

Modern-Day Interest and Reclamation

Today, there is a growing academic and artistic interest in reviving the history of Kolkata call girls. Documentaries, scholarly books, and heritage walks in Kolkata are attempting to reclaim their space in history.

Cultural historians are increasingly recognizing the Call Girls contributions to Indian performing arts, and efforts are being made to preserve their music and stories. Some NGOs and artists are working to document oral histories from the descendants of call girls to ensure this rich cultural narrative is not lost.

Conclusion

The story of Kolkata Call Girls is a testament to the city’s layered identity—where art, tradition, and social change converge. Far from being footnotes in history, these women were pioneers in preserving and innovating Indian cultural traditions.

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Prachi Jha