With the noteworthy exception of the hijras, castration of human beings has been nearly entirely absent throughout Indian history.
Hijras are male cross-dressers who dress and act as women and have typically had their libido castrated as a ceremonial surrender.
Hijras are typically gay prostitutes, and they are a well-established component of most Indian towns' decadent underbelly.
Their primary ceremonial role is to sing and dance at the birthplaces of male children, although they may also be called upon to perform on other fortunate occasions.
Despite their connections with some auspicious events, the hijras are socially marginalized and have a poor social position.
Serena Nanda's Neither Man Nor Woman, published in 1999, is a credible study of the hijras.
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