Have you ever stopped to think about how love and identity were understood in different times and places? The West often paints a picture of a monolithic past where LGBTQ+ people were universally excluded.
But the truth, as with most things in history, is far more fascinating. A look at ancient Indian culture reveals a society with a much more nuanced perspective on love and gender, offering a valuable lesson in acceptance, for the modern world. Let’s take a look at the LGBTQ+ history in India, and LGBTQ+ rights in ancient India.
A Third Gender and Acceptance in Art and Literature
Evidence abounds in the form of temple sculptures depicting same-sex relationships, with Khajuraho being a prime example. Ancient texts acknowledge a “tritiya-prakriti” (third gender) with terms for transgender individuals. The erotic manual, Kamasutra, even dedicates a chapter to exploring various expressions of sexuality, including same-sex relationships, this shows a significant historical LGBTQ+ acceptance.
Religion and Fluidity
Discover more information on Beyond Stereotypes Exploring the Diversity Within the LGBTQ+ Spectrum
Support for Variations, Not Always Unconditional
Westernization's Shadow
The arrival of colonialism and Western influence brought a stricter moral code, pushing India towards a more exclusionary view of LGBTQ+ identities. This shift has had a lasting impact on modern India, where the community still faces challenges.