'Men' Who Would Be Kings: Celibacy, Emasculation, and the Re-Production of Hijras in Contemporary Indian Politics.
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| Title: | 'Men' Who Would Be Kings: Celibacy, Emasculation, and the Re-Production of Hijras in Contemporary Indian Politics. |
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| Authors: | Reddy, Gayatri |
| Source: | Social Research. Spring2003, Vol. 70 Issue 1, p163-200. 38p. |
| Subjects: | Myth, Rāma (Hindu deity), Hindu gods, Gender-nonconforming people, Hijras, Mythology, Legends |
| Geographic Terms: | Ayodhya (Faizabad, India), India |
| Abstract: | The article presents a paper which relates one of the most ubiquitous myths the hijras tell regarding their historicity, and invokes the figure of Rama, the hero of pan-Indian epic, Ramayana. According to the myth, when Rama left the city of Ayodhya, India to go into exile, all the inhabitant of the city followed him to the banks of the river to bid him goodbye. Rama addressed to his people telling all men and women to go back to their homes. The hijras, being neither women nor men, did not return but waited for Rama's return after 14 years. Touched by their devotion, Rama blessed the hijras and told them to rule the land in Kaliyuga. |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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