Kamasutra's Hidden Chapter: Exploring Ancient India's LGBTQ+ Roots

The Kama Sutra

Homosexuality and Transgender People:

• Third Nature:
  The text refers to men attracted to the same sex as "Tritiya-Prakriti" (third nature) or "klibas" (or emasculated).
• Chapter 9:
  This chapter, titled "Auparistaka", specifically discusses oral sexual acts, including those between men, and homosexuality in general, and also mentions activities involving transgender individuals.
• Purushayita:
  This chapter mentions independent women who are engaged in sexual activities with other women, referring to them as "swarinis".
• Kama Sutra's Perspective:
  The Kama Sutra generally views sexual activity as an art to be enjoyed, including discussions of same-sex relationships and activities between transgender people, it does not necessarily promote them or disapprove them.

• Other Terms:
  The text also acknowledges specific types of unions, such as "gandharva vivah," which could be understood as a union or cohabitation without the approval of parents.

Beyond the Kama Sutra:

• Other ancient Indian scriptures and mythological stories also contain references to diverse gender identities and sexual orientations.
• Examples include stories in the Mahabharata and Ramayana, as well as depictions in temple sculptures.
• Ancient medical texts also describe varying gender expressions.

Historical Context:

• It's crucial to understand that the concepts of "LGBTQ+" as we understand them today are modern. However, the presence of these references indicates that diverse sexualities and gender expressions were acknowledged in ancient India.
• The arrival of colonial powers, particularly the British, brought with them Victorian-era morality, which led to the criminalization of homosexuality. This significantly impacted the social perception of LGBTQ+ identities in India.

The Impact of Colonialism and Modernity In Kamasutra

Colonialism's Impact:

• Imposition of Victorian Morality:
  
  
  • British colonial rulers brought with them strict Victorian-era moral codes that condemned same-sex relationships and non-normative gender expressions.
  • This contrasted sharply with the relatively more nuanced and, in some ways, tolerant views present in ancient Indian texts.
• Criminalization of Homosexuality:
  
  
  • The introduction of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code in 1861 was a watershed moment. This law criminalized "carnal intercourse against the order of nature," effectively outlawing homosexual acts.
  • This legal framework was a direct imposition of British moral standards and had no equivalent in pre-colonial Indian law.
  • This lead to the oppresion and harrassment of LGBTQ+ people within indian society.
• Erosion of Traditional Understandings:
  
  
  • Colonial policies and social norms undermined traditional Indian understandings of gender and sexuality, leading to the suppression of diverse expressions.
  • This included the targeting of communities like the Hijra community, who were often viewed as "criminal" by the British.

Modernity's Complexities:

• Lingering Colonial Legacy:
  
  
  • Even after India's independence, the legacy of Section 377 persisted, contributing to ongoing discrimination and stigma.
  • The struggle to overturn this law highlights the enduring impact of colonial-era legislation.
• Decriminalization and Progress:
  
  
  • In 2018, the Indian Supreme Court struck down Section 377, a landmark decision that decriminalized homosexuality.
  • This marked a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ rights in India.
• Ongoing Social Challenges:
  
  
  • Despite legal progress, social attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals in India remain complex and varied.
  • Prejudice and discrimination persist, and there's a continued need for greater social acceptance and inclusion.
• Reclaiming Pre-colonial history:
  
  
  • There is a ongoing movement by people within india, to reclaim and publicize the existence of LGBTQ+ history that existed before the british colonization. This re-assertion of ancient history, is a powerful tool to push back against the colonial mindsets that still exist.