HEERAMANDI: A CRITICAL REVIEW ON THE ROLE OF THE COURTESANS IN INDIA'S INDEPENDENCE STRUGGLE

Sudhir Kumar Patnaik; Nikhil Kumar Gouda; Rijitha R

doi:10.29121/shodhkosh.v7.i2s.2026.7094

HEERAMANDI: A CRITICAL REVIEW ON THE ROLE OF THE COURTESANS IN INDIA'S INDEPENDENCE STRUGGLE

Authors

Dr. Sudhir Kumar Patnaik Senior Assistant Professor, Department of Basic Science and Humanities, GMR Institute of Technology, (GMRIT)-Deemed to be University, Rajam, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9119-6787
Dr. Nikhil Kumar Gouda Associate Professor, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Central University of Odisha, Koraput, India
Rijitha R Research Scholar, Department of Media and Communication, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v7.i2s.2026.7094

Keywords:

Alternative Media, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Heeramandi, Covert Communication, Social Network, Revolutionary Messages

Abstract [English]

Media played an important role in disseminating the anti-colonial sentiments during India's freedom movement. Many cultural shows, dramas, and local festivals were used as a medium to spread secret messages and unite people against the British. Women, particularly the courtesans (tawaifs), contributed significantly through their unique social and artistic positions. Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar (2024) dramatizes these contributions, fusing fact with fiction to demonstrate how artistic expression functioned as a vehicle for rebellion. This paper explores the portrayal of courtesans as agents of alternative media and evaluates the balance between historical accuracy and cinematic romanticization.

References

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https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511583605 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511583605

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Published

2026-03-27

How to Cite

Patnaik, S. K., Gouda, N. K., & R, R. (2026). HEERAMANDI: A CRITICAL REVIEW ON THE ROLE OF THE COURTESANS IN INDIA’S INDEPENDENCE STRUGGLE. ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts, 7(2s), 50–52. https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v7.i2s.2026.7094

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Issue

Vol. 7 No. 2s (2026): SPECIAL ISSUE ON ART, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY: EMERGING INTERSECTIONS IN VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS RESEARCH

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Articles

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