>
> Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2000 09:59:35 -0500
> From: Andrew Larsen <aelarsen_at_facstaff.wisc.edu>
> Subject: Re: Nandani
>
> > From: Julian Lord <julian.lord_at_wanadoo.fr>
> > Subject: Nandan
>
> I agree heartily with what you say about Nandani. They are men (not
> magical transexuals) who function culturally as women. I believe there is a
> class of men in India who have similar status.
>
They are, as I recall, eunuchs in the Arabian Nights/Chinese court sense
(rather than as a consequence of a medical condition). They are usually
prostitutes, and are (I think) classed as Untouchables, although they are
considered good luck and fertility bringers at weddings. Their numbers are
declining; if I recall correctly, they were formerly attached to a cult or to
a court (can't remember exactly which one) - modern 'recruits' are usually
transexuals obtaining the money for the next stage of the procedure; the older
members of the group did originally have a religious or ceremonial function.
TTFN
Maddy E