Lahore Pakistans Shahi Mohalla prostitution district - Research Proposal Example

This dance was very exotic and colorful and was used to entertain the Muslim nobility of South Asia. In her book titled ‘Taboo’ The Hidden Culture of a Red Light Area’, eminent writer and human rights activist, Fouzia Saeed gives us the bigger picture of this famous red light district of Lahore’s famous Shahi Mohalla in Pakistan with all its prostitutes, pimps, customers, managers, musicians and all the others. The ancient traditions of great dances by courtesans used for entertaining the royalty, is still continued even today, while these people try to eke out a living.

According to the writer Khushwant Singh, during the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Hira Mandi was named after the minister who was in charge of that district called Hira Singh. Previously, it was called as Shahi Mohalla, which meant ‘Royal Neighborhood, because it was very near to the royal dwellings of the Mughals. This age old tradition of prostitution of South Asia is always very closely linked to great performances of both music and dance. This book also highlights the fact that these dancers and musicians have laid an indelible imprint in the world of performing arts by its contribution.

According to Fouzia, ‘Pakistani society has created and reinforced many myths to explain why prostitution has nothing to do with ‘nice people’. These myths put all the blame on ‘immoral’ woman who are responsible for tricking ‘honest’ men into sinful acts.’ (Fouzia, 2001) However, our society not only discourages, but also prevents people from questioning these myths. The writer also states that, ‘By exposing our myths about prostitution, the book helps eradicate a blind spot in our understanding of power relations experienced by all women throughout our society.

’ (Fouzia, 2001) Prostitutes do not earn huge sums of money and hence their children face very appalling conditions in the red light area. The Society for