Mausiqi aur Tehzeeb: A Musical Evening with Stories & a Old Delhi Daawat

A baithak that delves deep into the lives of a certain set of women wiped-out of history....the Tawaifs of India...whose remarkable lives we will unravel through their Stories, their Songs, their Music!

Courtesans were not merely medieval entertainers. They were cultural anchors of their time, shaping Tehzeeb, Adab and surely Mausiqi, refining language and etiquette, nurturing poetry, influencing royalty and royal courtly aesthetics, and participating in the social and political life of their world. Their mehfils were spaces of intellect, art, agency, and precious patronage of artisans of all types!

And yet, as India moved towards modernity and independence, much of the culture they helped build was absorbed into the national imagination, and a santised Indian social system, while the women themselves were looked down upon and finally erased.

This evening is an attempt to sit with that contradiction.

Through music, stories and discussions we will celebrate the cultural contributions of the connoisseurs of Indian art forms.

The evening will transition from the historical bazaars of Awadh with live musical renditions of thumri, to the recording legacy of Gauhar Jaan and the role of Tawaifs in India's independence, and then to the fictionalised courtesan in cinema: Pakeezah, Mughal-e-Azam, and the enduring figure of Umrao Jaan. 

The baithak will be co-led by a historian and a musician.

Mariyam Siddiqui, guiding historical and cultural conversations, and Dr. Brahmanshi, a PhD in Hindustani Music, leading the musical renderings. Beginning her learning journey at the tender age of 6, she has been receiving training in Hindustani khayal music and thumri. Apart from musicological research and performance, she also teaches students and has a keen interest in the history of Hindustani music and its development over the years.

And because no baithak is complete without food, the evening will also unfold over a specially curated dinner by celebrated Old Delhi chef, Sana. Expect a spread of vegetarian and meat delicacies, drawing from the rich culinary traditions of Dilli and the world of mehfils — food meant to be savoured slowly, shared generously, and enjoyed alongside stories, music and conversation.

Come, join the baithak.

Let us remember — through story and song.

DAY DATE & TIME: Saturday 24th Oct 2026 || 5:30 PM Onwards

VENUE: Near Golcha Cinema | Will be shared after booking

CHARGES: 3200/- per pax.

Group discount of 2850/- per pax for group of 4 or more

*We discourage participants below the age of 10 from joining this event.

FOR QUERIES CALL: 9871181775

Note: By attending you agree to being filmed at the venue and content may be used for marketing purposes of Team TBT-DBF.