Importance of the Eunuchs in Elizabeth Inchbald’s The Mogul Tale Essay

Importance of the Eunuchs in Elizabeth Inchbalds The mogul Tale The eunuch is an integral part of the 18th century play The Mogul Tale, by Elizabeth Inchbald. He serves a historical role by being the Moguls advisor, watchman, and, most importantly, hargonm guard. Eunuchs are generally defined as castrated males and are thus excellent choices to guard the Moguls women no fear of the guard taking the ladies for himself. Inchbald reinforces these noble positions by showing the eunuch as the Moguls right-hand man. But with the passing of time these traditional roles have died along with the people who embraced them. Eunuchs now exist in an India that has all scarcely forgotten their position as protectors. They are now part of a larger, marginalized group that exists on the fringe of Indian society - the hijras1. Hijras include such minorities as eunuchs, hermaphrodites, transvestites, transsexuals, and homosexuals and literally means neither male nor effeminate2. M ost hijras undergo a secretive castration operation as part of their religious rites. Because of this secretiveness it is unknown as to the exact number of hijras in India. They are described, and describe themselves, as the third sex somewhere inbetween and beyond male or female3. They see themselves as existing inside and above society. Even so, theirs is a day-to-day existence.Hijras make their money one of three ways as beggars, as entertainers at traditional ceremonies, and as prostitutes. As beggars hijras are aggressive. Three to four will confront individuals, clapping and making hand gestures. If they are given money, they spread bountiful blessings of fortune and fertility to the giver and his family line. But if they are... ...oduction of Hijras in Comtemporary Indian Politics. Social Researchv70.1 (spring 2003) 163(39). (Reddy 181)6 Reddy 1657 Reddy 1768 Butalia 59 Reddy 17710 Reddy 16411 In from the Outside Indias Long Mistreated Eunuchs are Te aming Up to Demand Equal Rights and Better Health Care. Time world-wide v156.11 (Sept 18,2000) 25. (In from the Outside 25)12 Allahbadia and Shah 4913 Allahbadia and Shah 4914 Slijper, Froukje M.E. Neither Man nor Woman The Hijras of India. Archives ofSexual Behavior v26 n4 (Aug 1997) 450(4). (Slijper 452)15 Pimlott 4616 Pimlott 4717 In from the Outside 2518 Allahbadia and Shah 4819 Reddy 16620 Reddy 16421 Reddy 16622 In from the Outside 2523 Reddy 178-924 Reddy 16625 Reddy 16426 Reddy 167-827 Reddy 170