These mythological texts prove otherwise to the gatekeepers of Indian culture, who insist that everything queer is a Western import. Queer identities and themes have been an intrinsic part of Indian mythology, folklore, and religious texts for thousands of years. Ancient scriptures, epics, and traditional narratives give several examples of diverse sexualities and gender identities, thus proving that queerness is not Western and imported to India but actually part of the tapestry of rich Indian culture.
One of the very early allusions to queerness derived from Indian mythology is found in the Rigveda, one of the most ancient texts of Hinduism. This hymn speaks of Mitra-Varuna as a deity who possesses two features and has male and female characteristics. This duality stands to be taken as openness and respect toward non-binary identities, standing in opposition to the rigorous norms of a sharply binary gender divide followed by most societies today.
There are a number of instances within the epic of the Mahabharata that bring out queer themes. Of these, one of the most important is that of Shikhandi, who was born a female, Shikhandini, but later took up a male identity. Shikhandi played an important role in the Kurukshetra War and shows that gender fluidity was recognized and respected in ancient times. Most famously, perhaps, one of the Pandava princes, Arjuna, is known to have spent the entire year of their exile living as Brihannala, a eunuch. This change in Arjuna and his acceptance of this other gender role show just how fluid gender was in the minds of ancient Indian people.
Another major epic, the Ramayana, too, has narratives that resonate with queer themes. One of the important stories is that of Lord Shiva and Mohini. Their union gave birth to Lord Ayyappa—a major deity in South India—when Shiva became enchanted with Mohini’s beauty. This tale underlines not just the fluidity of gender but also the sacredness, so to speak, and divinity associated with them in Hindu mythology.
The next clearly visible lines of evidence pertaining to queer identities relate to the Puranas—ancical Indian literature that includes mythological stories and traditions. It is said in the Bhagavata Purana that once, because of a curse, King Ila used to alternately change into male and female forms. Ila’s dual existence as both king and queen and the eventual coming together of these identities is an epitome of how fluid and inclusive ancient Indian thought was with regard to gender.
Beyond the epics and the Puranas, one finds references to the acceptance of queer identities in other sources of traditional narratives and folklore. One may notice that in different regional and tribal stories, there are gods and heroes with attributes and behaviors that stick out for crossing conventional gender norms. For generations, so many of these stories have been passed down to ensure retention in Indian culture of the recognition and celebration of diverse sexual and gender identities.
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Aside from mythology, historical records and temple sculptures further corroborate the existence of queerness in ancient India. The temples of Khajuraho, Konark, and many others spread all over the subcontinent incorporate carvings of same-sex couples, group intimacy, and a myriad of other non-binary representations. Artistic expressions like these, spanning several centuries in time, denote social acceptance and respect for queerness as part of the human experience.
The Hijra community represents a very ancient and respected third gender in India. Hijras are mentioned in several ancient texts, including the Kama Sutra. They held important positions at royal courts and are even mentioned during religious ceremonies, which underscores their respectable position in society.
The acceptance of queerness, or, at times, celebration thereof, could also be traced back to medieval India during the Mughal era. For instance, Emperor Akbar’s court was known for its cultural and artistic diversity; it comprised eunuchs and people with various sexual orientations. Once more, the example epitomizes that queerness was not only tolerated but accepted as a part of society.
This rich history changed drastically in terms of queerness with colonial rule in India. Victorian morality was brought into the country by the British, who implemented laws like Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, criminalizing same-sex relationships. This has remained in the legacy of colonialism, further stigmatizing and marginalizing queer people within Indian society.
These attitudes have come up for revision with the resurgence of interest in the mythological and historical heritage of India. It is scholars, activists, and culture enthusiasts who are increasingly unearthing and celebrating Indian tradition for its queer narratives. This reclamation of queer heritage is not only a reminder of India’s inclusive past but also a call to recognize and respect the diversity of identities in contemporary society.
If anything at all, the mythic and historic landscape of India is littered with examples that debunk this idea that queerness is some kind of Western import. For centuries, queerness has been an integral part of Indian culture in terms of queer identities and themes, deeply interwoven into its epics, scriptures, folklore, and artistic expressions. It is in embracing such rich heritage that we can come up with a society that is inclusive, accepting, and celebrating the true essence of India’s cultural diversity.
