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Women in Cantonments: Evolution of Regulated Military Prostitution in Colonial India

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  • Sonia Mondal

Abstract

From the mid-19th century the existence of a large number of native prostitutes in the British military cantonments confirmed the widespread prevalence of state-authorised prostitution in colonial India. The colonial administration induced new laws that tried to restrict prostitution as a practice exclusively for the service of the British military men and also made it a sanctioned part of the military establishment. Consequently, a new form of regulated military prostitution evolved that radically changed the nature of prostitution as it used to be in the pre-colonial period. In this article, I have tried to explore the causes behind the emergence of regulated military prostitution and how it was implemented and systematised in British India. It would also focus on a new pattern of brothel life which emerged throughout military cantonments and finally the women’s life in cantonments that would provide a glimpse of their daily chores and challenges.

Suggested Citation

  • Sonia Mondal, 2022. "Women in Cantonments: Evolution of Regulated Military Prostitution in Colonial India," Indian Journal of Gender Studies, Centre for Women's Development Studies, vol. 29(3), pages 384-393, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:indgen:v:29:y:2022:i:3:p:384-393
    DOI: 10.1177/09715215221111130
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