Indian art and culture is filled with tales of several musicians and dancers, many of who left an indelible mark on the very psyche of this vast and diverse nation. Amrapali is one such character. She was one of the best ever court dancers that India has produced. She ruled the roost for many years, till one day, she decided to give it all up to lead the life of a celibate.
Amrapali, also commonly referred to as Ambapalika or Ambapali, was the famous royal courtesan or nagarvadhu of Vaishali. Vaishali was a republic of ancient India, dating around 500 BC. An extremely attractive woman and one of the greatest dancers that ever lived, she ruled her field till she finally decided to give up her luxurious life; follow the Buddha and became an arahant.
Amrapali was found under a mango tree in the royal gardens of Vaishali. Etymologically speaking, the name is derived from the two roots, "Amra" (meaning mango) and "Pallawa" (meaning tiny sprouts or leaves).
Amrapali was the ethereal beauty of Vaishali. She had heavenly grace and charm. She became famous in the entire city of Vaishali for her paragon beauty and was declared as the most beautiful girl in the region at the tender age of 11. Amrapali was intelligent and good at Arts like dancing and music. Her beauty & talent attracted many noble men in the city as they all desired her company.
Manudev, the King of Vaishali,saw her while performing dance and filled with desire to have her forever. Amrapali, inthe meantime, had a childhood love, by the name of Pushpakumar.
Manudev killed Pushpakumar and married her to possess her completely, he then declared Amrapali as the Nagarvadhu and Vaishali Janpath Kalyani for 7 years. A Janpath Kalyani had the right to choose her lover and get
a person of her choice for a physical relationship. Amrapali became the court dancer as per the rules of Vaishali democracy was called as RajNartaki.
Tales of her beauty and talent soon reached far and wide. King Bimbisara, ruler of the Magadha region, was enamored by the stories of Amrapali and wished to see her. He attacked Vaishali and then took refuge in Amrapali's own residence. He was an excellent musician and would often sing to her. In due course of time, the two fell deeply in love with each other. Their romance and love was blooming everyday. Bimbisara was purely in love with Amrapali that he would do anything to make her happy. Amrapali was also enchanted by King's charm and intelligence, she loved him with emotions & passion. King asked her to marry him revealing his true identity. Amrapali got angry & declined him and asked to call off the war.
Bimbisara agreed to her proving his purest feelings and true love for Amrapali.
He did not care that it made him seem like a coward in the eyes of the residents of Vaishali. Amrapali bore him a son called Vim ala Kondana. Both of them couldn't be together. They became Buddha's disciples in the later stages of their lives.
They may were not be able to physically unite together, but their heart remained united forever.
End.