Mumbai is one of the largest and most happening cities in India. Though it is also one of the wealthiest cities in Asia, the metropolitan city is also home to one of the largest slums. Mumbai is also known for one thing, which is prostitution. Mumbai red light areas are very popular in Asia. Mumbai red light area is one of the largest sex industries.
Prostitution was prevalent in India’s financial capital, Mumbai since the British rule. It started off as Mujra and then with time, the Devadasis turned to prostitution. The flesh trade persisted even after the British left in a number of ways.
History of Mumbai red light area
A huge number of women from Japan and Europe were trafficked to Kamathipura (Mumbai red light area) during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The women were involved in prostitution service and provided their services to the locals and soldiers. There was a road in Kamathipura that was called Safed Gully because during British rule European prostitutes lived there. If any sex worker attempts to flee, the local police used to capture them as they had a good connection with the pimps.
Many Nepalese women were also trafficked to Mumbai’s Kamathipura. During the 19th century, numerous Indian sex workers moved to Kamathipura. Kamatipura’s sex industry still thrives in Mumbai. Prostitution is legal in the city now but the local brothels often have unsanitary circumstances.
Here we have listed Mumbai red light areas that you should be aware of:
1. Kamathipura
Kamathipura is a well-known red light district in Mumbai which is located in Mumbai Central. In this large Mumbai red light area, the sex workers are mostly from Devdasi Pata. They are from the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Solapur. The majority of the sex workers are from remote districts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. Kamathipura is India’s second-largest red-light district with a large number of prostitutes.
The place got its name Kamathipura from the word ‘Kamathis’ (workers) of Andhra Pradesh, the name got popular later. It is the oldest place for prostitution located in South Mumbai and during British rule, the place was known as ‘Lal Bazar’ since 1795. Today, the sex workers in Kamathipura are mostly from West Bengal and Bangladesh.
There is a Bollywood movie dedicated to Kamathipura named, Gangubai Kathiawadi.
2. Pila House
This location was popular in the 1980s. Nepalese females run the sex trade in this town. Most of the villas in this area are of ill-fame here. They are slated for redevelopment and the site will probably fade away with the changing times.
3. Foras Road
This is an infamous prostitution area where Mujras are performed. The sex workers here come from the northern states like Moradabad, Lucknow, Agra, Ratlam, and Bhopal in the northern states. Only the sex workers perform Mujras at this location. This Mumbai red light area has locations like Beer Bars and Ladies Bars and the area is therefore a result of emergence and expansion.
4. Congress House
Gangsters such as Dawood Ibrahim, Haji Mastan, and Arun Gawli developed this area for their enjoyment during the 1980s. But it was frequented by politicians and other kingpins. However, due to the change and development of a new trend, and the current condition of the flesh trade, this location will continue to decline.
5. Malad
It is a suburb of Mumbai located in the western part of the city. Malad has approximately 400 prostitutes, and lodges are rented on an hourly basis in this Mumbai red light area for sexual activities.
6. Mulund
Located in the northeastern part Mumbai Mulund is also known as the Mini Kamathipura. The place has approximately 500 sex workers and it resembles the largest red light district of Mumbai, Kamathipura.
7. Falkland Road
Falkland Road is situated near Grant Road station and is a well-known red light district in Mumbai. The area is filled with inexpensive lodges and hotels. The place is frequently visited by travelers and business personnel.
8. Garib Nagar
It is among the most hidden red light areas in Mumbai. Garib Nagar is situated in the northwestern part of the city near the railway tracks. This area is known for prostitution and drug trade. Sex workers from different parts of the world can be found here.
9. Ghatkopar
This is a large red light area in Mumbai located in the eastern part of the city. This area has approximately, 1,500 sex workers. It is known for its “prostitute lanes”.
10. Grant Road
Here the red-light district is called Jamuna Mandi and the girls are from South Karnataka.
Also read: 15 Biggest Red Light Areas Around The World
