Shahi Mohalla

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Shahi Mohalla, also known as Hira Mandi (literally "Diamond Market"), is today known for being the red-light district of Lahore, Pakistan. It was originally the center of the city's tawaif culture in the Mughal era. It is located in the northwest corner of the Walled City of Lahore, next to Roshnai Gate, Badshahi Masjid, Lahore Fort, and Hazuri Bagh. Heera Mandi is famous for its Mujra, a form of classical South-Asian exotic dance.

During the day the place is much like other Pakistani bazars and is also known for its good food and the shops for music instruments.

Calling Hira Mandi a "Diamond Market" is incorrect, because diamonds have never been sold at Hira Mandi. According to Khushwant Singh, Hira Mandi was named after Hira Singh - the minister in charge of this district during the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Prior to that, it was referred to as Shahi Mohalla ("Royal Neighborhood") due to its proximity to the royal quarters of the Moghals.

[edit] Further reading

• Saeed, Fouzia (2001). Taboo!: The Hidden Culture of a Red Light Area. Karachi: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-579412-5. 

• Brown, Louise (2006). The Dancing Girls of Lahore: Selling Love and Saving Dreams in Pakistan's Pleasure District. Harper Perennial. ISBN 978-0060740436.