The Nautch girl as entertainer of men belonged to a unique class of courtesans who played a significant role in social and cultural life of India in the late 18th and 19th centuries. This book traces her emergence in the Mughal era when she reached the zenith of her glory, her popularity among the English Sahibs and the Indian aristocracy during the Raj and finally her decline and demise at the hands of misguided zealtos. Sumptously illustrated with fine paintings and drawings from collections around the worlds.