The word "tawaif" comes from the Arabic word "taifa", which means "group" or "troupe." In early India, courtesans were often referred to by the Sanskrit word "ganika". These women were skilled in the arts and entertained wealthy patrons.
A unusual real photo postcard that is both hand colored and has glitter finely applied to the hems of the woman's dress. She is resting her arm on a magnificent pedestal that suggests a north Indian studio, possibly in Lucknow.
![[Dancer and Musicians]](https://www.paperjewels.org/sites/default/files/styles/square_thumbnail/public/slides/nautch-and-musicians_0.jpg?itok=1nflUs6c "[Dancer and Musicians]")
A hand-painted postcard which has been very nicely constructed to feature the dancer, who is entirely in colour. The musicians are partially sketched, with only their instruments, sashes and turbans coloured.
