Prostitutes Cantonment

The Cantonment Act of 1864, passed by the British colonial government in India, legally sanctioned and institutionalized prostitution within British Army cantonments. This legislation created a system of regulated military prostitution.

Regulatory Framework

Key aspects of this system included:

• Official Brothels (Chaklas): Designated areas within cantonments, called “chaklas,” were established where prostitution was permitted.
• Licensing & Registration: Prostitutes working within these cantonment areas were required to register and obtain licenses.
• Medical Control: Prostitutes were subjected to mandatory medical examinations in “lock hospitals,” ostensibly to control the spread of venereal diseases among soldiers.

Implementation and Legacy

This regulated system meant prostitution was actively organized by the colonial state to serve the military. Regulated sex between soldiers and prostitutes became an accepted part of cantonment life under British rule, with cantonment magistrates enforcing regulations across the Empire. The strategy prioritized military needs and colonial public health at the expense of women.

Modern Implications

The legacy persists in areas still designated as “Cantonment,” where authorities continue regulatory approaches to commercial sex work, reflecting historical patterns of spatial control.

*TAGS* – chaklas brothels, lock hospitals examinations, cantonment magistrates authority