“I belong to a family traditionally dedicated to the temples as dancers; my mother, grandmother, and, before her, her mother. Even as a young girl, I danced in our village temple. You know how our caste is viewed?” “It’s the noblest caste on earth,” I said. “We are viewed as public women,” she said plainly, and I was thrilled to hear the words. “We are not considered respectable; we are not considered
