Homosexuality under Manusmriti

Homosexuality in India is perceived to be against culture and religious ethics. But in the ancient times the dharmas we followed says that homosexuality is a part of Karma.

As mentioned in the books of Devdutt Pattnaik, homosexuality is considered as a manifestation of Karma according to the Hindu religion.

During the time of poet Tulsidas – his Ramcharitamanas says that “God loves all creatures, plants, animals, males, females & queers.”

The understanding of Queer relationship in India started much earlier. According to the medical text of Shushruta Samhita, one’s gender sexuality depends on the man and woman who reproduce. The kid’s sexuality falls in line of queer when equal hormones are produced which proves that the homosexual condition is pathological and psychological.

Dharmashastras which speaks about the human code of conduct and moral principles had a casual attitude over different sexual relationship which referred to Queer sex. But, the Arthashstra which serves the purpose rules and conditions of running an empire or kingdom charges a fine over Queer relationship. The fine charged for women were more than men.

The Manusmriti which is one among the Dharmashastras, compares homosexual relationship with a man having sex with menstruating woman or having sex at day time. The punishment according to Manusmriti for a homosexual sex relationship is that they have to take part in a ‘purification’ process like – bathing with clothes on, and fasting for a night, and drink only a specific cow milk and urine related products. Failure to purify can result in loss of caste.