I have heard multiple times in discussions, homosexuality is a western import, and India had nothing to do with it. Please smell the coffee and wake up to a few of the historical facts. The members of the LGBTQ community were present since ancient times and were widely respected. Few of the Ritivikas or Rishikas (females rishis) were gays because they connected with the soul of a person, rather than focusing on the physical aspect of the person.
Primary Question: Why was homosexuality banned in India? – Like many other trails of notable disasters left by the imperial rule, this was a further addition to that list. The ban on homosexuality or considering it unnatural is the gift of the colonial era.
The imperial rule not only destroyed India’s steel, textile, and other industries but also distorted the moral fabric of the country. Let us try to uncover the key reason behind the implementation of Section 377. In the Bible, marriage is a union between a man and a woman,and any kind of sexual activity, which is placed outside this context is “Sexual immorality”. The colonial rule implemented Section 377 in India in 1861, carefully taking the same into consideration.
None of the ancient sacred books or scriptures of the country condemns the same-sex relationship. In ancient times we celebrated and accepted all forms of love.
I was buoyant, the day Section 377 was removed. Not only we acknowledged a particular community, but also we embraced our native culture.
At times I detest the hypocrisy of our society, we worship Ardhnarishwar form of Shiv, an androgynous composite of Lord Shiva and Ma Parvati. But still are not ready to willingly accept the members of the third gender. Let us take a walk into the ancient and medieval India, where we will come across some startling facts around the LGBTQ community, highlighting their status in the society.
- We all have heard about Alauddin Khilji, it is widely believed he was bisexual. But only a few are aware his son Mubarak was in a recognized relationship with one of the noblemen. And we are talking about the 12th century over here.
- Who hasn’t heard about the mighty Mughal emperor Babur? He was responsible for laying the foundation of the Mughal empire in India. Do you know he was in love with a boy named Baburi?
- In ancient times in India, two women or two men could raise a child without being looked upon. The lesbians were addressed as “Swarinis” and the gay men were called “Klibas”. In Vedas, a homosexual marriage falls under the category of “Gandharva Vivah”, which does not need parents’ approval. These marriages were widely accepted within the LGBTQ community, and in mainstream society too.
- The acclaimed book “Kamasutra” written by Sage Vatsayan, contained one chapter dedicated to same-sex lovemaking techniques. The chapter name is “Auparishtaka”, please be adventurous enough to google it.
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5. The famous King Bhagirathi, who brought the holy river Ganga on earth, was the son of two queens. King Dilip the sole heir to the throne died, without leaving a child behind. The widows drank a magic potion and made love to each other, which resulted in the pregnancy of one of the queens. The child born was King Bhagirath.
6. According to the mythology, the famous Agni god married goddess Svaha and the male moon god Soma. The union resulted in the birth of the god of war “Skanda”.
Trust me, the extensive list can go on. I haven’t mentioned the sculptors of Khajuraho, indicating same-sex lovemaking or even the notable Konark temple, depicting the same.
Sadly, we had such a glorious past but due to the homophobic attitude of the society, many youngsters who prefer alternate sexuality, are uncomfortable staying in the country. A few of them migrate to the west, where the society is liberal and the conditions are much more tolerant. In a way, our homophobic attitude is equally contributing a minuscule part in promoting the brain drain.
I believe it is high time when we should go back to our roots and accept love in all the forms. An individual’s sexual choice cannot be the reason for his or her segregation from society.
Please do let me know your views around the same.
The sexual mores in ancient India were very liberal. As you have mentioned references to this can be found in many of the ancient texts and mythology. It was only later during and after the colonial rule that India entered the dark era in this context.
Sandy you put it right, the problem is in some ways we are still living in the victorian era, and this definitely needs to be changed.
Awesome article…. Really wonderfully edited
Thanks a tonne for appreciating the article.
Thanks for sharing this valuable information with us 🤗 really very interesting 🤗😍
Thanks Sir.
Now this is one article, I hadn’t expected ill come across. Loved reading it Ramya, and specially loved the history trivia. This should be shared more specially with those, who like poking their nose into everything and saying, ” People like these or people doing such activities are spoiling the culture”
Thanks a tonne Arnav, and I am hopeful till the time we have people like you, the change will definitely come. It is matter of time.
Hmm interesting article and presents a different perspective on this modern-day issue!
Vidur, this is the beauty of history it showcases many unknown facts.
We were definitely more progressive in previous times and that has been proved on many occasions time and again through our scriptures, Art and folklores.
I fully agree and it pains to realize how much we have deteriorated?
I must say this is one of the brilliant masterpiece written by you. I knew a few facts but did not know in depth background. Thanks for this informative post. Really loved it.
Thanks Pamela, even while doing research I also stumbled upon unknown facts. Like Emperor Babur preferences were unknown to me.
I believe things back then were more accepting and liberal. I have seen some of these sculptures myself in ancient temples where the LGBT community was more welcomed. It’s just sad the way things have turned out now and how we are all fighting so the things that ancient India believed come back.
Raksha, I fully agree and somewhere we all need to put things right. History shows that we have deteriorated a lot in terms of our thinking too.
Your posts are very interesting to read. The way you strike a contrast on the past and present in try to subtly bust orthodox myths – especially in this post – is outstanding!
Thanks Avantika, I am trying to tell people, please accept them, they are one of us.
It has always been a debatable topic in our society but you successfully mentioned the facts and the ancient history. I am sure it will be liked by many and could be an eye opener.
Thanks Priyanka, even I hope so.
We can’t agree more with your article. Alternate sexuality was never looked down upon in ancient India. Looking at the temples of Khajuraho and many other cave arts and scriptures we were way more advanced and open to all sort of sexual preferences in the past. It’s high time we learn something from our ancestors.
Sundeep you are well-traveled, and you had been to a number of these places, so can understand where I am coming from?
This looks like a rich knowledge of Indian history to me! Your content is always engaging and informative
Thanks Roshini.