Sunday July 2nd at 5.30 pm – 6.30 pm
Bradford Literature Festival
Bradford City Hall Banqueting Suite
COURTESANS AND CONCUBINES – in conversation with Moni Mohsin
In pre-20th century culture, to be a courtesan or concubine was a highly coveted honour, usually bestowed upon aristocratic ladies; it could even be formally recognised in a ceremony much like marriage. In pre-British India, young noblemen were sent to courtesans for social education, these women were considered the authorities on the traditions of music, dance, language and etiquette, and some even became the mothers of the children of Mughal monarchs. […]
Join authors Lesley Downer and Moni Mohsin as they deconstruct perceptions of these fascinating women and unpick over 400 years of history, to explore how this once prestigious and sought after role has declined into depravity.