
Many crimson-rich tapestries of Lahore narrate tales of glory amidst the outcry of social stigma and marginalisation of the art of dancing. The legacy, long lost, today finds itself reverberating in the voice and body of Fatima Amjed, a professional dancer defying societal norms and challenging culturally inaccurate narratives to reclaim the lost dignity of her art. This art, which has a gendered historical context, once gave women a vital position in society but was later tainted with accusations of prostitution. Fatima's resurgence of this craft serves as a form of critical thought, an attempt to decolonise and liberate oneself from the shackles of colonial oppression.
Mughal Era to British Raj: The Pinnacle of Performing Arts Devalued

During the Mughal period, The Durbar culture was instrumental in fostering a rich environment for many art forms, including dancing. Female performers were an essential part of this culture. During the height of the Mughal power in Lahore, they performed in The Fort and resided in Shahi Mohalla, a town across the street known for its artistic spirit. These performers were highly respected in the Mughal courts and held significant influence. They were called courtesans or tawaifs and were believed to be entertainers and connoisseurs of culture, art, and poetry. They were educated, articulate, skilled in various art forms and enjoyed a unique social position. They had considerable agency over their lives and bodies and would mentor younger artists and engage in intellectual discourses with the nobility. Their homes were also cultural and intellectual activity centres.
However, the decline of the Mughals' and the subsequent emergence of the British Raj marked a significant shift in societal norms and values. The colonial administration imposed Victorian moral standards juxtaposed with the local/cultural ethos. The nuanced art of the tawaif was increasingly viewed through a puritanical lens, leading to the moral and social decline of the performers' status. Once a respected cultural centre, Shahi Mohalla was rebranded as a red-light district. The women who had once been celebrated for their artistic contributions were now marginalised and stigmatised as mere vendors of flesh. This stigmatisation had an impact beyond the performers to their families, tainting their social standing and thwarting opportunities. The rich legacy of female performers has also been erased from history books, replaced by unspoken local narratives that paint them as morally corrupt.


In contemporary Pakistan, this legacy of marginalisation persists; Shahi Mohalla, now known as Heera Mandi, continues to be synonymous with the red-light district. It stands decimated and poverty-stricken; there is nothing Shahi about the place or the people it houses. The families still bear the brunt of social stigma, the women are still unaccepted in society, and the art of classical dance, in particular, has struggled to find its place as conservative values clash with expressions of bodily autonomy and artistic freedom—women who aspire to dance face discouragement and moral policing. On this stage of historical erasure and contemporary marginalisation, Fatima stands tall as a beacon of hope.
Fatima Amjed - A Beacon of Hope

Fatima speaks passionately about her dance, saying it makes her feel free and liberated. For her, it is a powerful medium for expressing her thoughts and emotions. It is her way of reclaiming bodily autonomy and challenging the restrictive societal norms imposed on her throughout her life. Her journey inspires aspiring dancers and anyone who seeks to transgress societal norms and find their voice through any other form of art.
Fatima's work is consequential as she challenges the deep-rooted stereotypes that have long been associated with female performers; from the way they dress, the jewellery they adorn, the mehndi they wear, to the way they walk, she revives the legacy of the Mughal era performers, reminding us of a time when dance was a respected art form celebrated for its beauty and cultural significance. The story of female performers in Lahore is a poignant reminder of how historical narratives can be reshaped and identities marginalised. Fatima's work reintroduces cultural histories into educational settings. She collaborates with schools and theatres across Lahore (in addition to her social media platform), teaching the art to those who wish to learn. In many ways, Fatima's journey mirrors Pakistan's broader struggle for women's rights and artistic freedom. In this context, her work can also be seen as a tool to educate, teach to transgress, as a means of liberation, fostering critical consciousness and social change.
Check out her instagram at https://www.instagram.com/fatimamjedd
(The pictures have been taken from her account except for the two pictures of Shahi Mohalla that I captured on a walk last year; please go through some of her dance videos since it is important for context. Most of what I have written has been taken from personal observations and stories heard directly from people. I had the chance to work with Fatima on a play and have gone on educational walks in androon Lahore, gotten a chance to speak with these people and understand their perspective on the art of dancing and the story of the Tawaif)
this was super well written. i think the crux of the matter always is whether or not women can be allowed to enjoy the works of their own bodies. female dance performances have in a sense been a way for men to exert dominance and control over women by making them into an object of desire but it is through taking ownership of our own dances and bodily movements that we can work towards escaping this oppression and making our bodies our own. that is what society has a problem. as soon as dance and expression is for our pleasure rather than a man's, it becomes unacceptable to do publicly.
I really liked this article. Topics like prostitution, the red light district and women's rights are so prevalent yet taboo in our society it is laughable. The importance of women like Fatima is imperative to breaking stereotypes and societal norms. Linking this to the conversation in class we had on societal expectations of men and women and the idea of stereotypes, how do you think these ideas were integrated into society so normally that they seem almost natural to some, and any deviance is considered an exception? Overall, the importance of you writing on these topics is huge and informative, as it is necessary to change the mindsets of people who do not agree with you and for encouraging women…