In Muzaffarpur’s Red-Light Area, Infamy Keeps Development Away

Situated in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district, Chaturbhuj Sthan is one of the oldest red-light areas in the country.

The Quint reached Chaturbhuj Sthan, a red-light area from the Mughal era in Bihar.

(Photo: The Quint)

Video Editor: Purnendu Pritam

The Quint reached Chaturbhuj Sthan, a red-light area from the Mughal era in Bihar. Situated in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district, this is one of the oldest red-light areas in the country. Do elections matter, and do people vote here?

A singer from this area says, "I’ve been dancing here for the last 4 years. I sing as well, I’m a courtesan. But people look at me in the wrong way." Another mujra dancer defends her profession and says, "In our view, there’s nothing vulgar in what we do – we are artists. We sing and dance." While they are forced to hide their identities for fear of infamy, their issues echo throughout the state: education and jobs.

Speaking about her hopes for her daughters, a dancer says, "We want that what we do, our children shouldn’t have to do that. Our children should get a good environment, society. They should study and make a name."

Do elections bring any change in their lives? Not really. "When these people want votes they like this area. But when they have to work they say, "No, this is a bad area." They say, "Please vote for us. We will do a lot." But after winning, they haven’t done anything." Watch the video to hear India’s lesser-known voices.