Socio-Cultural and Political Status of Third Gender through the Ages of Indian History: The Journey from Ancient to Post-Independent India
Keywords:
Ancient India, Colonial Laws, Exclusion, Indian Society, Social Inclusion, Third GenderAbstract
The societies of Ancient, Medieval and Modern India have an intricate interconnection among the sexual majority and the transgender population. Ancient Indian scriptures included transgender individuals and provided them a dignified space. The ancient Indian social structure has been an inclusive society where sexual differentiation from fixed norms of sexuality (Male and Female) was accepted and cherished. Ancient Indian texts like the Kamasutra, Arthashastra, Manusmriti, and Ayurveda have deep discussion about the definitions, condition, criteria, social role, and status of third gender or transgender persons. During the medieval period of Turks and Mughals, transgender individuals had a highly dignified socio-economic status. Eunuchs were castrated males working as royal slaves, harem attendants, security guards, keepers, and wardens for concubines and the harem. The colonial masters brought a draconian law, The Criminal Tribes Act of 1871. The CTA, alongside IPC Section 377, acted as a serious blow for the community. Third-gender individuals were explicitly barred from public performance and begging on the road. This act systematically excluded and marginalized the population from mainstream society. In the landmark National Legal Services Authority vs. Union of India (2014) case, the Supreme Court of India gave legal identity and recognition to transgender people.
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