For sale: 13-year-old virgin

[Sweetpea]

Thirty miles west of the Taj Mahal, on the road to the pink city of Jaipur, tourists on buses pass a sight that the guide books rarely mention.

A mile beyond the town of Bharatpur in Rajasthan, where the highway is being widened to four lanes, traffic slows down for roadworks. But the workmen who lounge by their bulldozers have their eyes on something else - a cluster of makeshift shelters where girls, several under 18 and at least two younger than 15, can be seen strolling or sitting, in view of the dusty carriageway.
Tonight, one girl in particular is attracting attention as she sits on a stool by a fire so that she can be seen by passing vehicles. Her heavily made-up, striking face and beautiful pink sari make her look as if she were on her way to a party. But the truth is different. Suli, 14, is a virgin and a bidding war is being held for the right to be the first to sleep with her.

The normal rate is 100 rupees (£1.30) but a virgin is sold to the highest bidder for anything over 20,000 rupees. If she is very pretty, the community would hope to get up to 40,000 rupees. For this, the man can have access to the girl for as long as he likes - several hours, days, or even weeks. When he tires of her, there is a celebration. Because it is considered unlucky for a girl to keep the money from her first time, it is spent instead on an extravagant party. Jewellery is bought for her and for her relatives, goats are slaughtered and alcohol runs freely. There is dancing, and offerings are made to the gods.
Once a girl has lost her virginity she cannot marry. The choice has been made and the community celebrates it - this is her non-wedding night.

For sale: 13-year-old virgin - Telegraph


I would like to beat the parents of these girls to death with a baseball bat with rusty nails in it. But I cannot help wondering if these girls are not better off than being the drudge they would have been otherwise.

So does that mean a life of prostitution for her from then on?

[terrywit]

Originally Posted by Sweetpea

Once a girl has lost her virginity she cannot marry. The choice has been made and the community celebrates it - this is her non-wedding night.

reads like a new vocation as a hooker to me?

[Sweetpea]

Yes, but better than being tied to housework, being a baby machine (ok I know she will get pregnant) , having no money.

At least she will have something of her own life.

[poppy]

Is not an arranged marriage the same as being sold into prostitution, but without any of the perks, and a lot more hard work.

[Sweetpea]

I would say so , yes...

[terrywit]

caste-based prostitution

family business.......

Originally Posted by poppy

Is not an arranged marriage the same as being sold into prostitution, but without any of the perks, and a lot more hard work.

Do not confuse "arranged" with "forced".

Hindus have arranged marriages. But only with agreement of both participants.

THAT is not the same thing.

DOUBTLESS it can be abused, but the basic concept is O.K.

[Sweetpea]

Would be in my book.

Arranged marriages are done with the best interests of the children at heart. The parents on both sides want their children to be happy. It is just that we are not used to the idea of parental approval or of matchmaking but I know people in arranged marriages who think the way some westerners go husband or wife 'hunting' is less likely to be successful and seems rather shocking and promiscuous to them. Forced marriages are a different kettle of fish altogether though.