Yes, there are documented instances of Nawabs marrying tawaifs (courtesans) in the history of India.
Historical Examples:
- Wajid Ali Shah, the last Nawab of Awadh: He was known for his patronage of the arts and his love for tawaifs. He married several tawaifs, including Mughal Begum, who was a celebrated singer and dancer.
- Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula of Awadh: He was known to have had a relationship with Begum Samru, a famous tawaif who later became a powerful military commander.
- Nawab Bahadur Khan: He was the Nawab of Farrukhabad and had a well-known relationship with Begum Mumtaz, a renowned tawaif who was also a skilled dancer and singer.
While these are just a few examples, it is important to note that marrying a tawaif was not a common practice. It was often seen as a way for the Nawab to show his patronage of the arts and to enjoy the company of beautiful and talented women. However, these marriages were often controversial and were not always accepted by society.
Social Context:
- Tawaifs were highly skilled performers, known for their music, dance, and poetry. They occupied a unique position in society, often holding significant influence and wealth.
- Nawabs were rulers of princely states, often possessing vast power and resources. They were known for their lavish lifestyles and their patronage of the arts.
These factors contributed to the possibility of tawaifs marrying Nawabs, though it was not a widespread practice.
