History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c85.s6.34

v5.c85.s6.34

This was an ancient legal practice of the Hindus and Muhammadans alike. [*Cf.* story of Harishchandra.] One way of punishing criminals of certain classes was to turn them into slaves and sell them to the public; the sale of female-slaves of this class is noticed in the "Peshwas' Diaries." Slavery lingered down to the first quarter of the 19th century even in the British district of Purnia. [Martin's *Eastern India.*] People often made eunuchs of children and sold them; Orissa and Sylhet were notorious for this offence, which was strongly condemned by Aurangzib. [Ch. 38 § 4; esp. ref. in footnote.]