History of the Badis People
Go to article: Report: Dignity for Badis Women (2005)
Go to article: Badis Women and Prostitution (2004)
Go to article: Maoists Beat Badis Prostitutes(2006)
Go to article: HIV, Prostitution, and Caste System (1994)
Go to article: Economics of Badis Prostitution (1993)
Go to article: History of the Badis People
Go to article: Art Show at UN features drawings by women of the sex trade in Nepal
Until the end of the Malla Dynasty in Nepal in 1769 , the Badi people were involved in a variety of activities without prostitution. Like 'gypsies' they would travel and provide musical entertainment for hire. They were popular performers for ceremonies, wedding and other special events. They would also make and sell musical instruments. Often , they would entertain at the homes or estates of wealthy landowners in the region.
Probably some landowners began paying young Badi girls high fees for sexual favours, in addition to the other entertainment being provided .This was probably very tempting to Badi girls as well as the family and community, which were always economically deprived as part of the Untouchable caste, This caste is the lowest caste, lower even than the fourth caste in the traditional Hindu caste system .
Although the Badi community remains migratory today, family bonds and ties remain strong. The family continues to travel as a single group, and remains almost completely dependent on Badi females who provide an economic base through the sex trade.
Social preparation for prostitution is carried out by older Badi women, who teach young Badi girls how to apply make up and how to dress.
More recently, income primarily from prostitution has enabled some Badi families to own land and homes, something normally unheard of for most members of an Untouchable caste.
