Taboo

The book is a journey of discovery into the famous red light district of Lahore, Pakistan, known as the Shahi Mohalla (the Royal Bazaar), or Heera Mandi (the diamond market). The phenomenon of prostitution coupled with music and dance performances has ancient roots in South Asia. Regardless of the stigma attached to prostitution, it has given birth for centuries to many well-known performing artists. The book paints a more realistic picture of the phenomenon through the stories of the people living there: the musicians, the prostitutes, and their pimps, managers and customers. These people are struggling to make a living by following ancient traditions, yet not knowing clearly where they fit in the larger picture of present day society. The book helps eradicate a blind spot in our understanding of the power relations associated with gender roles in our society.