SHADI PROGRAM

Mujra is a form of dance originated by tawaif (courtesans) during the Mughal era which combined elements of the native classical Kathak dance with native music such as thumris and ghazals, or poems of those from other Mughal cultures such as Bahadur Shah Zafar. Mujra was traditionally performed at mehfils and in special houses called kothas. During Mughal rule in the subcontinent, in places such as Jaipur, the tradition of performing mujra was a family art and often passed down from mother to daughter.