The Badi: Prostitution as a soical norm among an untouchable caste of west Nepal

The Badi belong to an untouchable Hindu caste, with a total population of approximately 7,000 (1991), who inhabit scattered settlements in the Salyan, Rolpa, Rukum, Dailekh, Seti, Jajarkot, Dang-Deukhuri, Banke and Bardiya Districts of west Nepal. Badi men fish, keeping most of the catch for their own family's consumption, and make drums and pipes, which they sell to Nepalese in neighbouring communities. Badi women engage in prostitution beginning at puberty and continuing until they become too old to attract any more customers or get married. This article focuses on Badi prostitution, its practice, and social, economic, historical and cultural dimensions. The conclusions presented here are based on in-depth interviews conducted with over forty Badi men and women in the districts of Bardiya, Banke and Dang-Deukhuri between May 1990 and May 1992.