Unsure about the definitions of adoption terminology? Looking for a quick reference on a given topic? Take a look at our new adoption topics pages
Click Here to Get Started

advertisement
Adopt Help Adopt Help Adopt Help
advertisement
Click Here to Get Started

Rat-Children of Shah Daula

  • Currently 0/5 Stars.
You may use the stars on the left to rate and leave feedback for the current article. No registration is required. Waiting for 5 votes 0.0 of 5 stars (0 votes) — Thanks for your vote

Please fill out the following optional information before submitting your rating:



According to a centuries-old tradition, barren women who worship at the shrine of the Sufi saint Shah Daula, in Gujrat, Pakistan, will become fertile. But unless they donate their first-born child to the shrine as an oblate, all their subsequent children will be born disabled.

Claims are made that the tradition has been used as the foundation for a trade in the donated children, who are deliberately disfigured and sold to professional beggars by the shrine's guardians, although the shrine is now controlled by the government of Pakistan. It has been claimed that the disfigurements are caused by a genetic abnormality, but studies show that the children are unrelated to each other.

advertisement

There may be as many as 10,000 of these people, most in the province of Punjab and the city of Gujrat.

References

Galpin, Richard. "The Rat-Children of Pakistan: Blessed by a Sufi Saint but Disfigured for Profit," The Guardian [London], 20 June 1998

Indexes

Indian
Pakistan
19th Century
20th Century
21st Century
Muslim
Mental Handicaps, Learning Difficulties
Physical
Physical Handicaps
Financial Problems, Poverty, Bankruptcy
Birth or Infancy
To Avoid Prophecy Fulfillment
Oblates, Dedicated to God
Slaves
Priest, Religious, Teacher, Coach, Mentor, Patron, Apprentice Master or Owner
Others ("Strangers")
Very Poor (Financially) Adoptive or Foster Families
Customary or Traditional Adoption, Informal and Extra-Legal Care
Street Children, Children Who Grew up Without Adult Supervision (at Least Temporarily), or Ran Away
Tracing Impossible or Birth Family Extinct
Pamela Slaton, Locator
California
Click here to visit Pamela OBR, LLC
With Pam Slaton, featured searcher on the Oprah Winfrey Network, you get personal service & support. Pam has 17 years of experience. No find, no fee. Start your search TODAY!
Pamela OBR, LLC
(609) 702-7531  
advertisement
 
Sponsored Links
Parent Profiles
Hello, and welcome to our family! Our hearts go out to you and the decisions you are facing. Please take some time to read and get to know our family and the love our new... [more]

[about us]  [contact us]  [waiting couples near CA]  [all]

Adoption Tips
Spend a weekend getting your home child- or baby-ready for your new, beautiful addition. It is easier to do this before you bring your child home.
Adoption Photolisting
Sarah (CA / 16 / F)
Sarah keeps you on your toes! She is so fun to be around, but don't get me wrong, you need to put on your sneakers in order to keep up with her. Sarah is a fun loving, smiling... [more]

[about me]   [search]   [waiting kids in CA]   [all]   [share]

Adoption E-Magazine
Help
Feedback
Template Settings
Width: 1024     1280
Choose a Location:
Choose a Theme: