Exploration of Heeramandi, Lahore's Forgotten Cultural Jewel
Lahore is a famous place among the culture-lovers for its rich stories reflecting the past that haunts through every spirit alley and gorgeous door. The Priceless Screens is certainly an essential part of lahore’s history despite the fact that it is often underrated as compared to more famous tourist attractions. Through today we set out to investigate the hidden parts of Heeramandi and reveal the little known cultural icons.
Heeramandi
Heeramandi, the literal translation of mean as Diamond Market located at the center of Lahore, is a red-light district as old as the history of Lahore. Since the Mughal period, this area was a place that had an artistic expression and various types of artists such as the poets, musicians and dancers would come and make contributions to the cultural cover of the city. Furthermore, with the tinge of time, Heeramandi’s fame turned stale, and its period of prime faded away slowly.
Blossom Art
The modern times have made Heeramandi a byname for immorality which however, is more than what it looks like at its face value– it is a multi-faceted place with an ancient history beyond the popular impressions. Taverns became not just simply a place of debauchery but the cradle of the arts blossom and the rise of intellectuality. Attendees of Layla’s Mai tending to include Mir Taqi Mir and Sauda speak of its performances. Equally extravagant Malka Jaan dancer bewitched audience with her dynamism and style.