Later, this transformed to the modern name Heera Mandi as it evolved into a ‘red light district’ for the city.

[1] Heera Mandi is located inside the Walled City of Lahore, near the Taxali Gate,[3] and south of the Badshahi Mosque.

[4] Heeramandi, originally a song and dance community rooted in the 'tawaif' culture during the Mughal period, first evolved into a hotspot for prostitution during the Ahmad Shah Durrani (1747- 1772) invasions of India.

During the Mughal period, women from Afghanistan and Uzbekistan were brought to Heera Mandi to entertain the royal court.

[8][9] An area south of the Lahore Fort was developed as a residential neighborhood for attendants and servants of the royal court and the Emperor.

[6] The market remained the centre of the city's tawaif (courtesan) culture for the Lahore's Mughal era elite during the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries.

[6] After the partition of India, young and attractive tawaifs from Heera Mandi became the first choice of Pakistan filmmakers.

[14][15] During the Mughal period, tawaifs of Heeramandi were trained in Indian classical music, Kathak and mujra dance, as well as poetry and etiquette.

Over time, during the day, Heera Mandi is much like any other Pakistani bazaar and is known for its good food, wide range of Khussa (traditional Mughal footwear), and shops for musical instruments and dance.

[17] During Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq's reign, an operation was conducted against music and dance houses, which were alleged to be dens of prostitution.