Unveiling the Spectrum: Ancient India's Rich Tapestry of Desire and Identity

The whispers of history, etched in stone and woven into ancient narratives, reveal a fascinating truth about ancient India: a time when the boundaries of love and identity were far more fluid than we often assume. While modern interpretations might lean towards a singular definition of relationships, delving into India's rich mythological and artistic heritage uncovers a spectrum of human connection, including same-sex unions, that was not only present but often celebrated.

Have you ever wondered about the historical roots of diverse sexual orientations? It might surprise you to learn that the ancient Indian subcontinent, long before the imposition of Victorian morality, showcased a nuanced understanding of desire and gender. From divine unions to epic tales of transformation, the evidence suggests a society that, in many ways, acknowledged and even depicted a broader range of human experience.

Echoes of Divine Love: Mythology and Same-Sex Unions

The Indian mythological landscape is a vibrant canvas, and within it, the portrayals of deities offer compelling insights. Consider the deep, affectionate bond between the Sun gods, often depicted in union. Their relationship is frequently characterized by intense love, with shared journeys - whether riding a shark or side-by-side on a golden chariot drawn by swans - symbolizing their profound connection.

Adding another layer to this narrative, the ancient text Bhagavata Purana recounts a remarkable tale: the birth of a child to these two male gods, a result of their semen falling upon a termite mound. This story, often cited as an early example of surrogacy, speaks volumes about how same-sex unions and procreation were understood within a mythological context - a beautiful blend of the spiritual and the practical.

As Indian mythologist Sundeep Verma notes, the notion of queerness wasn't an alien concept in ancient Indian history and mythology. Professor Madhavi Menon of Ashoka University further elaborates, stating that it wasn't viewed as something foreign or outside the norm. This perspective is crucial when we consider how these ancient narratives reflect a broader societal fabric of desire and participation.

Epic Transformations and Gender Fluidity

The epic tales of India also feature characters whose stories challenge conventional gender roles and expressions. The Mahabharata, for instance, introduces us to Brihanala, a character who famously donned female attire to impart arts and education to a princess. This act of "queering" characters within these foundational epics highlights a historical precedent for exploring gender fluidity and cross-dressing.

Another striking narrative emerges from the Mahabharata with the story of Shikhandini. Born as a daughter to King Drupada, Shikhandini was raised as a prince with the sole purpose of exacting revenge. In a twist of fate, Shikhandini was even married to a woman. When the truth of Shikhandini's assigned sex was revealed to the wife, it led to turmoil, only to be resolved by divine intervention that granted Shikhandini manhood during the night, leading to a life lived as an intersex individual. These narratives demonstrate an acknowledgment of a spectrum of gender identities and experiences.

The story of Lord Vishnu taking the form of the enchanting Mohini during the churning of the milky ocean is another significant tale. Mohini captivated Lord Shiva, leading to their union and the birth of Lord Ayyappa. This divine liaison, involving a god and a female avatar of another god, further underscores the flexibility in depicting relationships and gender roles in ancient Indian lore.

Artistic Expressions: Khajuraho and Beyond

The artistic heritage of ancient India provides tangible proof of the acceptance and depiction of diverse sexualities. The renowned temples of Khajuraho, dating back to the 10th century, are particularly famous for their intricate and often explicit sculptures. Among these, numerous carvings depict women in intimate embraces with other women, as well as men displaying their genitals towards each other.

These artistic representations are not merely decorative; scholars widely interpret them as an acknowledgement of the existence and practice of homosexual acts. The presence of such explicit art on sacred temple walls suggests that these expressions of desire were integrated into the cultural landscape, rather than being hidden or condemned.

Some scholars propose that the inclusion of erotic art in Hindu temples may have served as a counterpoint to the ascetic practices of rival religious groups like Buddhists and Jains. By showcasing the full spectrum of human experience, including sexuality, these temples perhaps aimed to represent a more holistic worldview.

Navigating Societal Norms and Legal Interpretations

It's important to acknowledge that ancient Indian texts also reveal a complex picture, with some scriptures and law codes reflecting societal anxieties and attempts to regulate behaviour. The Manusmriti, a foundational legal text, prescribes punishments for homosexual acts. For instance, it suggests fines and physical punishments for women engaging in same-sex acts, with penalties escalating if performed by an older woman on a younger one.

Similarly, the Narada Purana discusses what could be classified as "unnatural offences," indicating that such acts were recognized, even if disapproved of. The Arthashastra of Kautilya, a treatise on statecraft, also mentions homosexuality and instructs rulers to combat it as a "social evil."

However, these prescriptive texts stand alongside the more affirmative portrayals found in mythology and art. The repeated references to homosexual practices in various scriptures, even when accompanied by censure, undeniably acknowledge their existence and prevalence in ancient society. The Kamasutra of Vatsyayana, composed around the 4th century BC, even discusses oral sexual acts and homosexuality, including among transgender individuals (tritiya prakriti), though it does not necessarily endorse them.

The Shadow of Colonialism and the Path Forward

The shift towards more regressive attitudes surrounding queerness and same-sex love in India is often attributed to the imposition of Victorian prudery and conservative moral ideas during the colonial era. As Professor Menon points out, the British actively waged a campaign against what they perceived as "excesses" in various aspects of Indian life, including eroticism and religious practices. This led to the criminalization of homosexuality, notably through Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, implemented by the British colonial rulers, which criminalized "carnal intercourse against the order of nature."

The decriminalization of consensual homosexual acts between adults by the Delhi High Court in 2009 was a landmark moment, although the Supreme Court later reinstated Section 377. The subsequent legal battles, culminating in a constitutional bench review, highlight the ongoing debate about sexuality and human rights in contemporary India, a debate that has ancient roots.

The legacy of ancient India's more accepting and inclusive views on love, desire, and identity offers a powerful counter-narrative to historical suppression. By understanding these rich traditions, we gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human experience that has always been part of our collective past, and a hopeful perspective for a future where love, in all its forms, is truly celebrated.