The Charminar area in Hyderabad unfurls an entirely different world. Fake pearls overshadow genuine ones, synthetic scarves mimic silk, the aroma of sandalwood blends with biryani, and crowds press tightly. Amidst all this, shadows of another story linger. In parts of the old city, marriages are mere transactions, with young girls sold under the veil of marriage to elderly but wealthy sheikh from the Gulf.
Centuries ago, when long wars were common in Islamic countries, or during lengthy business trips, temporary marriages known as 'Mut'ah' began. The Arabic word 'Mut'ah' denotes pleasure. Initially a temporary marriage practice among wandering men or warriors, it ceased in Arab lands but remains prevalent in several regions, like India, where it now serves as a base for the rich of the Gulf.
An entire business has emerged around this practice, commonly known as Sheikh Marriages. Aajtak.in explored every angle of this phenomenon.
In Hyderabad, areas like Shaheen Nagar, Hasan Nagar, Yakutpura, Barkas, Charminar, and Vattapalli are hotspots for Sheikh Marriages. Toli Chowki is witnessing a new trend with the influx of Muslims from Sudan and Somalia—young and muscular, yet not particularly wealthy—engaging in contractual marriages as well.
Between the sheikh and the girl, a chain of five to six intermediaries exists. These wealthy visitors from the Gulf countries don’t come unplanned; they strategize beforehand.
For two decades, agents like one explaining to us have operated. Imagine two brothers, one in the Gulf and the other in Hyderabad. The brother abroad identifies an elderly, affluent, and hedonistic sheikh, as there’s a belief that sleeping with a virgin restores vitality. Once identified, the agent recommends suitable girls to the sheikh.
These arrangements peak during Ramadan when most things are forbidden there.
Source: aajtak
The local agent is always ready. Upon receiving a call, the agent contacts a brokeress. These are women with deep ties to neighborhoods, often those who themselves have exited Sheikh Marriage relationships.
The brokeress knows who’s pretty and whose family is desperate for money. She maintains contact with potential families, and when the opportunity arises, she proposes the Sheikh Marriage. Photos of the sheikh and his arrival date are shared via mobile. The girl's photos, multiple of them, are sent back.
Typically, a sheikh receives about ten pictures, complete with age and physical measurements.
We were shown videos involving girls being measured from face to feet with tape, with their skin tones detailed separately.
The potential groom selects a few from the pictures, asking them to be ready. Through the agent, this message trickles down to the brokeress and then to the girl. She prepares. Upon the sheikh's arrival, a parade takes place. It could be at a nearby beauty parlor or one of the girls' homes. The sheikh shortlists one or two, provides a token gift—a promise to keep the girl happy in anticipation of luck opening soon for her. Eventually, the sheikh selects one for a 'nikah', and the girl heads to a hotel.
Why a hotel? Aren’t they concerned?
Why would they be? Renowned hotels in Hyderabad receive hefty sums for silence. Besides, the girl is veiled, married, accompanying a wealthy sheikh—no reasons for objections, the agent shares his experience.
Source: aajtak
If his interest wanes, she’s soon left behind but if satisfied, might accompany him. Everything is arranged: passport, visa, Aadhar modifications—at additional costs.
Who introduced you to this business?
An older brokeress did. Initially, I ran errands for her, later gaining her trust to meet contacts—local aunts, Arab agents, hoteliers, clerics—each playing a role. Even hospitals were part of the route.
Why hospitals?
The sheikhs often arrive under the guise of needing medical treatment. At the hospital, our agent translates for the sheikhs. Fluent in Arabic, Hindi, and Telugu, I directly conduct business myself.
Corporate hospitals become cover for many sheikh’s short-term marriages. According to NITI Aayog, Medical Value Travel (MVT) is a significant revenue source. In 2018, India had an 18% market share in the global medical sector, suggesting the scale of foreign medical travelers annually.
Would hospitals just admit anyone?
The agent, unfazed, explains—Older age brings myriad ailments. They arrive with anything. We have helpers from the airport to hospitals, taxis to autos, multilingual communicators spotting Arab needs. They quickly understand who seeks a young girl or who’s content with someone experienced.
How much do you earn from one marriage?
Ridden with guilt, the agent confesses—around fifty thousand per marriage. Orchestrating five to six marriages a month, sometimes more. Each girl's marriage contract varies; initially one or two sufficed, but greed has escalated.
Source: aajtak
How many marriages have you facilitated so far?
Countless. Prestigious sheikhs from every Gulf nation are now friends—Saudi, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar. An exceptional service ensures safety, enhancing referrals. Like any job, this business adheres to similar dynamics.
Despite a lack of formal education, this agent is worldly. After picking us up in his car, he tours us by auto.
Veiled from head to toe, I merge effortlessly. “Your accent is distinct. Excessive questioning will arouse suspicion. Speak less.” he advises while walking.
You mentioned sheikhs desire virgins. How can one girl marry multiple times?
The girls are cunning, employing alum as matter comes to a boil, leaving red stains on sheets, and befuddling an aged sheikh who usually relies on medication. The wealthy ones may even undergo surgery to ensure preference.
Aren’t there any diseases from multiple partners? I cautiously avoid mentioning STDs, but the broker comprehends.
No. Over the years, I haven’t encountered such, though pimples or boils aren’t uncommon. Severe illness hasn’t been reported. Experienced sheikhs demand virginity certificates, attainable through our networks. Absolute documentation assurance.
Feigning a demonstration, the agent makes a few calls.
An aunt has a sheikh’s proposal—young girl needed. Any prospects on your end? Information about the sheikh comes, confirming the arrangement over the phone. The agent’s device brims with girls' images, complete with measurements.
Another call to an auto driver accompanying a nonchalant sheikh—a twice-yearly luxury customer preferring modest hotels, the broker remarks.
Source: aajtak
Brokeresses are pivotal—experienced neighborhood aunts, often returning from the Gulf, owning plush homes and updated phones. One such woman meets us.
As delicate as authentic Hyderabadi pearls, she’s now permanently settled post-marriage. After exchanging pleasantries, she mentions, “Hyderabad hosts numerous renowned agents. Mine are minor undertakings.”
Still, how many marriages have you arranged?
Nothing is definite—varies in frequency. Sheikhs demand virgins, absolute purity. However, not all girls comply, causing occasional impasses. Still, I am a mother, steering clear of innocent youngsters.
How do you persuade girls for mismatched marriages?
Persuasion isn’t required. All desire comfort, luxury. We discuss with mothers, framing it as a job opportunity. Significant earnings in brief periods are tempting. They swiftly agree. Intent isn’t forced; it’s purely voluntary.
Do girls travel to the Gulf, or is everything settled here?
Both situations apply. If desired, we obtain visitor visas, utilizing excuses to meet relatives in the Gulf. Our connections facilitate girls’ stays with Hyderabadi aunts, who host them before the sheikh’s arrival. From there, it’s up to mutual consent. Some relationships thrive, others conclude.
Source: aajtak
What’s the duration of marriage contracts?
No fixed duration. It ranges from 10-15 days to a maximum of a year. These are verbal agreements made during marriage at a hotel. Financial exchanges with the girl are documented. Payment is entirely cash. Some smart girls quickly move from one marriage to another.
How much do you earn?
Between twenty to twenty-five thousand. Salim Bhai, an adept, manages tasks solo, earning higher fees. He is renowned throughout Hyderabad; no girl remains hidden from his expertise. Our earnings are shared—partly to me, partly to assisting brokeresses, and old women often considered masters also earn significantly.
Does your husband know of your work?
No. I’ve told him I handle minor matchmaking tasks. Women in our marriage group, despite engaging in Sheikh Marriages, keep their household affairs veiled. Yet, my work has slowed; connections enable modest earnings.
What happens to children born from Sheikh Marriages?
No, children aren’t a concern. Laughing, the brokeress shares, “Girls take pills from the onset to prevent pregnancy. Sheikhs cautious avoid long-term burdens. If pregnancy does occur, it’s terminated. Abroad, if they conceive, the Hyderabadi aunt intervenes.”
Hyderabadi Aunt!
Women who settled in the Gulf long ago upon marrying and never returned, their homes become initial shelters for arriving girls. Almost every girl is housed by an aunt who provides attire, etiquette, and language basics. After days of acclimatization, the sheikh claims her, often for dual roles as a sex slave and maid.
