Eunuchs, Concubines, and the Islamic History of Southeast Asia

Authors

William Gervase Clarence-Smith

Publication Date

2007-01-01

Abstract

In the early 17th century, male servant eunuchs were common, notably at the Persianised Acehnese court of Iskandar Muda. By the mid-eighteenth century, the castration of male slaves mysteriously disappeared. Concubinage, however, lasted much longer. While there were sporadic attempts to stamp out abuses, for example sexual relations with pre-pubescent slave girls, and possibly, clitoridectomy, a reasoned rejection of the institution of concubinage on religious grounds failed to emerge. This paper discusses the sexual treatment of slaves across Islamic Southeast Asia, a subject which sheds important light on historical specificities pertaining to both Islam and sexuality in the region, yet which continues to be treated with silence, embarrassment or even scholarly condemnation.

First Page

8

Last Page

19

Recommended Citation

Clarence-Smith, William Gervase (2007) "Eunuchs, Concubines, and the Islamic History of Southeast Asia," Manusya, Journal of Humanities: Vol. 10: No. 14, Article 1.
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/manusya/vol10/iss14/1