Abstract
Prostitution is considered one of the oldest profession for women in all societies of
the world. In India this institution remained the part of society for centuries.
Women trafficking was increased in Indian region after the arrival of British
army. On initial stages British army indulge in those activities revolved around
the Local Indian Beauty . But the "Pure Race" could not tolerate this and
facilitated their army men to import the European beauties in India. The
Contagious disease acts (1864 to onwards) were also introduced which made
Indian prostitutes a more miserable who were examined by the doctors
periodically. In every British cantonment Cakals (popularly known as red light
areas) were established to facilitate British Army. These places were looked after
by superintend who issued them license for their legal work. This paper is an
attempt to explore "Orient Beauty and colonial desires" which made them a
symbol of sexuality in colonial era. It will also highlight the legislative measures
to control contagious diseases only in British army not in oriental women. These
racial and gender bias accelerated the women trafficking in colonial India.
Colonial legacies in prostitution are still traceable in India and Pakistan.
Rukhsana Iftikhar. (2018) Colonial Desire, Orient Beauty: Army and Prostitution in British India, Journal of the Research Society of Pakistan, Volume 55, Issue 1.
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