Author(s):
Sibsankar Mal, Grace Bahalen Mundu
Email(s):
mal.sibsankar@gmail.com
DOI:
10.5958/2321-5828.2018.00104.3 
Address:
Sibsankar Mal1,2*, Grace Bahalen Mundu3
1Department of Geography, S.S.M. College, Keshpur, Paschim Medinipur-721150, West Bengal, India
2Research Scholar, PG Department of Population Studies, Fakir Mohan University, Balasore-756020, Odisha
3Assistant Professor, PG Department of Population Studies, Fakir Mohan University, Balasore-756020, Odisha
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 9,
Issue - 3,
Year - 2018
ABSTRACT:
The Hijras of India occupy a paradoxical space in the binary gender continuum of male-female and are also ubiquitous group under the umbrella term of transgender. This paper is a humble attempt to review and highlight the hidden truth of ethnic lifestyle and unique cults of this community. Available literature on this marginalized group says that the construction of the Hijra identity draws its inheritance from strong historical fairy-tale inceptions, mostly resulting from the portraits of Hijra characters playing significant roles in Indian mythology. This paper highlights a few significant aspects of the hidden life of Hijra community and argues the importance of exploring their unconventional traditions. Although, throughout the India, it is believed that Hijras have the power to bless, but the problems confronting these groups of people have not been adequately explored, due to the hidden nature of the community. By addressing exclusionary practices, the article draws out intersections between identity politics and the reproduction of social difference triggered by existing inequalities and inequities of class, gender and sexuality. The focus of this paper is therefore not only on Hijra subjectivity, but on the perspectives and the process of recognition of the Hijra as a third gender.
Cite this article:
Sibsankar Mal, Grace Bahalen Mundu. Hidden Truth about Ethnic Lifestyle of Indian Hijras. Res. J. Humanities and Social Sciences. 2018; 9(3): 621-628. doi: 10.5958/2321-5828.2018.00104.3
Cite(Electronic):
Sibsankar Mal, Grace Bahalen Mundu. Hidden Truth about Ethnic Lifestyle of Indian Hijras. Res. J. Humanities and Social Sciences. 2018; 9(3): 621-628. doi: 10.5958/2321-5828.2018.00104.3 Available on: https://www.rjhssonline.com/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2018-9-3-25