THE HARSH REALITY

An article by Times Of India quotes that out of the one million (approx) population of Eunuchs in Delhi, only 1% are born that way. The others are forcefully converted.

In an interview, a forcefully converted Eunuch confessed that the business is deeply connected. The Police are not unaware of this.

A report also states that young men and boys are kidnapped for this business. They are first drugged and then converted in an unconcious state. Some even said that they were forced to get into the habit of taking drugs, and then homosexuality and were then converted. The Godfathers of this business are getting richer by the day and more and more lives are being destroyed every year. After the conversions the young men are not left with any other option than joining the group of other similar men and continuing their business.
The police are well aware of this and so are the other elements of our judiciary, but nothing concrete is being done to stop this forceful trade.

No Government has taken action to curb this crime and no manifesto has ever been made. There are hundereds of NGO’s working for the welfare of Eunuchs, but what about the ones who are forcefully converted?

Their dreams and rights are taken away and they are left with no other proffessional option. Some are forced into the flesh trade and some suffer from HIV, some are forced to perform at marriages while some are forced to beg. The society finds it hard to accept this fact and accept the third sex. Not that they are unaware, its just their fear. But till when will we fear? The Eunuchs must be given their rights to live a dignified life, but shouldn’t policies be made to curb the forceful conversions?

HISTORY

History of eunuchs is eons old. In earlier times, they were appointed as guards of kings'harems to avoid the sexual relationships with royal queens.They were also appointed as servants of queens and often attained high status positions in  INDIAN SOCIETY. Eunuchs in palaces were organised in hierarchy, often with a senior or chief eunuch(KHWAJA SARAS) directing junior eunuchs below him.

They were highly valued for their strengths, to provide protection for the ladies palaces and their trustworthiness, 

allowing eunuchs to live amongst with fewer worries. This enabled eunuchs to serve as messengers,watchmen,etc.Often,they doubled as part of the kings court of advisors.

   

The word "EUNUCH"

EUNUCHS are addressed by many names: HIJRA,KINNAR etc.


The very first image that comes to our mind when we think of eunuch is that of a man body clad shabbily in a sari. The face caked in whitish powder and cheeks circled with cheap rouge,bright red lips, and dark Kohl-eyed people - and the ludicrously odd  woman hood clapping clamorously in some place travesty for money.