Homosexuality In Ancient India
[Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik is the author of several essays and books on Hindu lore. His book 'Man who was a woman and other queer tales from Hindu Lore' was published by Haworth Press, USA. This essay was first published in Debonair Anniversary Issue, 2001.]
Did homosexuality exist in ancient India? The answer in many respects depends on what we mean by homosexuality. Do we limit ourselves only to sexual acts between members of the same sex and leave out romantic affection? Do we distinguish between those men who occasionally have sex with other men but otherwise live heterosexual lives, and those for whom their sexual preference forms the core of their identity? Do we consider same-sex intercourse that occurs in the course of a subterfuge, or as a result of frustration or desperation? And do we include liaisons involving those who consider themselves neither male nor female (for example, hijras)? Definitions are important because ‘homosexuality’ does not connote the same thing to all people. Besides, the meaning has changed over time. As has the meaning of heterosexuality.
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