Dayanita Singh confirms Old Delhi lane was home to transgender leader Chaman
The historic Gali Master Shiv Prasad, a narrow lane in Old Delhi's Turkman Gate Bazar, has been identified as the former home of Chaman, a prominent leader of the local transgender (hijra) community, following recent confirmations about the area's social history. Renowned artist and photographer Dayanita Singh confirmed last week that a double-storeyed house that once stood in the lane was indeed Chaman's home, which served as the backdrop for her acclaimed book, Myself Mona Ahmad.
The lane, tucked discreetly between Jawed Lassiwala and Muhammad Doodhwala in the bustling bazaar, is so narrow that it remains dark even at noon. Today, a newer building stands where Chaman’s cream-coloured, double-storeyed house once stood.
Local resident Umair, who lives opposite the site and works at his family's handicraft shop near Kali Masjid, recalled watching the house during his childhood. He remembered it having a large wooden door and a well. According to Umair, Chaman was regarded as the "sartaj" of the local hijra community.
Many transgender people lived in Chaman's house, including a resident named Mona. Umair recalled faintly being invited to a birthday party hosted there for a child whom Mona had adopted. The house was eventually sold, and its inhabitants relocated.
The connection to the house was recently verified by Dayanita Singh, who began visiting the residence decades ago. Her friendship with Mona during those visits eventually led to the publication of her book.
Historically, Gali Master Shiv Prasad and neighbouring streets housed multiple "deras"—colloquial terms for households of transgender people. Led by a guru, members of these deras would travel to dance at homes celebrating weddings or births to collect money in exchange for blessings.
While the transgender community once lived discreetly in these lanes, most have since left Old Delhi. No transgender residents remain in Gali Master Shiv Prasad today, though one elderly community member continues to reside in a neighbouring street, sitting quietly each evening near a local paan stall.
While the memory of Chaman persists among some residents, the origin of the lane's name remains obscure. Local shopkeepers and older residents recall that Master Shiv Prasad, after whom the lane is named, was a musician who lived there long ago.
