Queerness in Indian Mythology:

by Devdutt Pattanaik

"Beware of a land where celibate men decide what good sex is."Hindu mythology makes constant references to queerness, questioning the notions of maleness and femaleness. A casual reading of any Indian ancient text reveals as much. Then why do we still tiptoe around discussions about queerness and/or ideas that challenge our traditional understanding of gender and sexuality today?If these ancient texts from centuries ago could be inclusive of the spectrum of sexuality, what changed over the years? The courts of India have always upheld secularism and human rights. But this courtesy has not been extended to queer people yet. Can our ancient texts hold the answers we've been too scared to look for?Read on as Devdutt Pattanaik, the master of mythology, examines instances of queerness and analyzes what led to the evolution of queer rights in India.

43 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 10, 2018

About the author

Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik (born December 11, 1970) is an Indian physician turned leadership consultant, mythologist and author whose works focus largely on the areas of myth, mythology, and also management. He has written a number of books related to Hindu mythology, including Myth = Mithya: A Handbook of Hindu Mythology, a novel, The Pregnant King, and Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata (2010).
He is the Chief Belief Officer of Future Group, one of India’s largest retailers, bringing the wisdom of Indian mythology into Indian business, especifically in human resource management. He also writes a column for the newspaper MID DAY.
He has also written a novel based on a tale from the Mahabharata titled 'The Pregnant King' published by Penguin Books India

Reviews

[Pradhumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of queer tales from not just Indian but mythologies over the world as well.

Though Indian mythology is filled with instances of gods swapping genders, every story involves them transforming into a female form. There are no same-sex relationships in the Indian epics unlike other mythologies. Nonetheless, gender fluidity appears very common, with our heroes being in tune with their feminine side.

It traces the onset of our rigid midnsets to the monastic orders and Victorian morality.

Draws a neat comparison between the current activism-led ideas of challenging the social norms versus the Hindu ideology of rebirth where everyone is who they are because of their karma and therefore, naturally accepted.

A brief and enjoyable read.

[Kankana Ghosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice and short

This book not only discusses Hindu mythology but also Greek, Biblical and other mythological approach towards queerness. I wish there was more of it. Overall a nice and short read for a brief understanding on the subject.