Volume III Special Issue V May 2023

Name of Author : Monica Jha

Title of the paper : Queer Identity in the Works of Devdutt Pattanaik

Abstract: Background – Queer theory is based on realizing the critical theory introduced around the early 1990s due to womens studies and queer studies. The discussion of the epic Mahabharata cannot be complete without Shikhandi, which is a key character. There are several references to queerness found in Hindu mythology and Shikhandi is one of them. Shikhandi was a girl who became a man. Shikhandis gender is a matter of controversy, especially in epics like Mahabharata where men were perceived as elite warriors with resilience and masculinity. Objective – World has been progressing in technology, science, and intellect over time. What if we came to know that what is known as progressive is actually the origin of new regression? What if we came to know that the world in the prehistoric era was at the edge of being a utopia? These questions are not easy to answer as time travel is an impossible concept yet. But ancient literature always reflects its society. Hence, this paper is aimed to ponder gender equality in prehistoric era through the lens of Devdutt Pattanaik Results –This study establishes the view that queer, women, and transgender marginalized genders in modern world had better position in Puranic era. They were considered natural rather than being marginalized in todays times. This paper analyzes Shikhandi and Other Tales They Don’t Tell You by Devdutt Pattanaik and seeks the help of other queer literatures in India. Conclusion – Looking back to prehistoric anecdotes and myths where India was more tolerant is the need of the hour. It is important to understand the differences between queer space of today and yesterday. Society earlier was more liberal than modern society according to ancient epics like Ramayana, Mahabharata and Kamasutra. Devdutt Pattanaik tells several queer tales that have been hidden over the years.

Keywords : Devdutt Pattanaik, queer identity, queerness, queer tales, mythology, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Shikhandi, queer theory

DOI :

Page Number : 128-132