Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c7.s4.84

c7.s4.84

The attitude of the State towards public prostitution was never influenced by moral or religious considerations. No attempt was ever made to abolish or prohibit prostitution on ethical grounds. On the other hand, as we have just described, the administration helped in regulating the profession, which was also a source of revenue. The public prostitutes were further closely associated with music and dancing which occupied a very important place in the scheme of social pleasures. The Mughal Emperor Akbar wanted to go a step further in this case, as in the case of drinking. Outside the city of Delhi he constructed a separate quarter for the residence of public women, calling it by the humorous name of *Shaitanpura* (The Devil's Quarter). All the public women were ordered to reside there. Special State officials were appointed to supervise the affairs of this quarter. A system of registration was instituted whereby persons who passed a night with a public woman were made to ente- necessary particulars. A special permit had to be obtained from the Emperor if a government official or a public servant wanted to deflower a virgin. All breaches of the provisions were dealt with severely.¹