Save this Cultural Heritage

Jang Ji, I beg to differ. The obliteration of the Hira Mandi culture is everything to do with the increased Islamasization of Pakistan. It started during Bhutto, and continues to day. Not just Hira Mandi, but Chaklas (brothels) in other major cities (e.g., Haram Gate in Multan) that legally conducted their trade were tightened during Bhutto’s regime (under Mullah influence) and permanently closed during Zia. The culture of dance and music, did not ‘die’ per say, but keeping with the Islamic tradition (Moguls patronized music and dance, however promoted it as a pastime for the rich and the powerful) – the British left it alone, and it was during that time that the music and dance was popularized in the Indian subcontinent (barring the temple dance, which survived centuries of pandemonium, and survives to day). So it is very much to do with the recent Islamicization of the country. It pains me to see their livelihood being spoiled because someone believes it is against the teachings of Islam.

Masadi Sahib, the difference between Hira Mandi residents and the impression of Globalization is that HM folks are being displaced by their own people, and not by the M’effing IMF. Your attempt to equate their plight with that of the Native Americans makes no sense. I would be interested to know what your views are on Hira Mandi, and what can be done to preserve this cultural heritage of ours? I am all ears.

kulharee, perhaps the neighborhood declined naturally..nothing to do with islamizatoin.. as kotha bussiness lost its rich clientale. in india, the musical arts moved out of kothas since the kadardars or the yore, the zamindars and petty rajas were replaced by the middle-classes buying tickets. mujra artist now are mostly absorbed by bollywood, though ``private nauch`` is still around.

but yeah..it will be nice to have a neighborhood for artistes and courteseans.

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Kulharee writes <<< Please do not let this neighborhood turn into a rich man’s pretentiousness on cost of displacing the natives. >>>

You are a hypocrite Kulharee, when I talk against US led globalization that does just that on country wide scales you dismiss all of that because you live off of just such displacement and killing of natives and on the other hand you talk about preservation when whole cultures are blown away due to just such globalization and US cultural imperialism. Or maybe you want to operate through a different avenue, you want globalization to reduce third world wages so much that the only alternative left for people to ``make a living`` is to prostitute themselves. In either case you have a perverse mind, and like your ``baji`` told you ,`` get lost``- you have been roaming the streets of Chowk long enough too, we recognize you enough by your brain farts to conclude that such crocodile tears coming from you are quite meaningless and hypocritical.

If you close the Hira Mandi down, it doesn`t go away; it just moves…and why is it illegal to sell something that`s perfectly legal to give away for free ?