The word tawaif is used as an abuse nowadays. It was not always like this. Known as tawaifs in the north, devadasis in the south, baijis in Bengal, and nayikas in Goa, these professional singers and dancers were called “dance girls” during British rule, and in the late 19th century their profession was equated with prostitution. Was added. In 1857, when Indian soldiers surrounded the British East India Company officials and laid siege to Cawnpore (now Kanpur), a prostitute was also with them. During the encounter, when bullets were being fired all around, at least one eyewitness saw the prostitute armed with a pistol. The fascinating story of Azizunbai finds no mention in history textbooks. Listen to Azadi ke Deewane with Manni Sharma by Audio Pitara. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices