What is a hijra in India?

The hijra (eunuch/transvestite) is an institutionalized third gender role in India. Hijra are neither male nor female, but contain elements of both, As devotees of the Mother Goddess Bahuchara Mata, their sacred powers are contingent upon their asexuality. In reality, how- ever, many hijras are prostitutes.

Are there still eunuchs in India?

India is the only country where the tradition of eunuchs is prevalent today. There are about 1 million of them, though their role in life has changed drastically from that of royal servants, confidantes and friends. Eunuchs, or hijras as they are called here, have become something to be feared.

What role do hijras play in Indian society?

In fact, Hijras play important roles in many Hindu religious texts. Hijras also held religious authority and important court positions and administrative roles in Mughal era India. Believed to have the ability to bless, many would seek out Hijras for blessings during important religious ceremonies.

Where do the hijras live?

north India
Location. Most hijras live in the cities of north India, where they have more opportunities to engage in their traditional occupations. Hijras are also found in rural areas in the north, as well as cities in south India where they work mainly as prostitutes.

How long has the hijra community been in India?

India ’s trans women community, or Hijra, has been a part of the subcontinent for about as long as civilization has. With a recorded history of over 4,000 years and being mentioned in ancient texts, the Hijra community is a testament to the sexual diversity that is integral yet often forgotten in Indian culture.

What’s the difference between Hijra and transgender in India?

Key Difference: Transgender is the state in which a person’s gender identity does not match with his/her physical sex. Hijra is a South Asian term used for males who have physiological feminine gender identity. Transgender people may identify as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, pansexual, polysexual,…

Which is the local equivalent of the word hijra?

Local equivalents include durani ( Kolkata ), menaka ( Cochin ), meti (Nepal), and zenana (Pakistan). Hijra used to be translated in English as “eunuch” or “hermaphrodite”, although LGBT historians or human rights activists have sought to include them as being transgender.

Are there intersex people in the hijra community?

The hijra gender includes intersex people as well. As the Hijra is not classified under males or females, the Hijra community is lobbying for recognition for themselves as a ‘third sex or gender’. Nirwaan is a religious act that is carried out by many Hijras at the initial stage.

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