this was popularised and vulgarised by the Mughals. earlier it was a pure form of KATHAK. the Mughals converted it into a sordid display catering to the baser instincts of male dominance. in short, it became and still is in the realm of the prostitutes or the ladies of the night.
being a name, it cannot be translated.

The dances included provocative body movements and were normally accompanied by a suggestive wording in a song. You could compare it to a strip tease, however there was no taking off of clothes involved in Mujra.

I disagree with my peers when they mention prostitutes, I do not think that it was the case in 100% of them. I believe some of them were strictly for art and entertainment. The routines were also performed by respectable artists who were renowned song writers, dancers.

In ancient times, there was also a common practice of sponsoring "Raj-Nartakis" who would perform 'mujra' in given King's court.