The word "Nautch" owes its origin to the Sanskrit word "Nritya" which means dance. Though nautch dancing was a common feature of the imperial courts through the subcontinent, it gained renewed popularity in the later part of the Mughal rule. This form of dance was also patronized by the officials of the British Raj. Even the palaces of the smaller noblemen and prominent citizens hosted nautch dances. Today, the nautch dance is alive and well in Bollywood hits like Umrao Jaan and stories of dancing girls continue to play a big role in popular media. |
