Kamathipura: Resilience and Erasure in Mumbai's Red-Light District

Kamathipura, Mumbai's infamous red-light district, has for centuries been home to migrants, marginalized communities, and sex workers. Its unique street layout reflects its colonial past and its function as a tolerated zone for sex work. Despite facing poverty, exploitation, and oppression, Kamathipura has developed a remarkable resilience. However, neoliberal redevelopment projects threaten to displace sex workers, transforming it into a sanitized urban landscape. This article explores Kamathipura's history, spatial characteristics, and the challenges it faces in urban renewal, highlighting the resilience of its residents in resisting marginalization and fighting for their right to exist.