Venereal Diseases, Prostitution and Lock Hospitals in 19th Century Awadh (Oudh)

Abstract

This study focusses on lock hospitals, venereal diseases, soldiers and prostitutes in Awadh. The colonial administration implemented a policy to protect soldiers from sexually transmitted diseases. In the nineteenth century across the globe British colonial administrations established legislation to stem the growing tide of venereal diseases and mid-nineteenth century the Contagious disease act was passed through which identified female prostitute on the principal source of contagion. This studies primarily based on the annual reports of lock hospitals and the data available in reports.