Shikhandi and Other ‘Queer’ Tales They Don’t Tell You | Devdutt Pattanaik | Book Review
Shikhandi and Other ‘Queer’ Tales They Don’t Tell You by Devdutt Pattanaik talks about the history of Queerness in Indian mythology as well as other religions of the World. So, a book with multiple stories from Indian mythology that will give you major food for thought, read book summary, book quotes, genre, publication date, age rating, and Shikhandi and Other ‘Queer’ Tales They Don’t Tell You by Devdutt Pattanaik book review in this post below.
About Shikhandi and Other Stories They Don’t Tell You by Devdutt Pattanaik:
No. of Pages: 196
Publication Date: July 20th 2014 by Zubaan and Penguin India
Genre: Indian Mythology, LGBTQ, Queer, NonFiction, Cultural, Indian Writing, Asian Literature, Indian Literature, Anthology, Hinduism
Reading Age: 18 years and above
Can be read as a standalone? YES
Buy From: AMAZON
Shikhandi and Other ‘Queer’ Tales They Don’t Tell You by Devdutt Pattanaik Book Summary:
Patriarchy asserts men are superior to women, Feminism clarifies women and men are equal, Queerness questions what constitutes male and female. Queerness isn’t only modern, Western or sexual, says mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik.”
Shikhandi and Other ‘Queer’ Tales They Don’t Tell You by Devdutt Pattanaik Book Quote
A nonfiction book that through short tales taken from written and oral records from Hinduism showcases that Queerness and people are nothing new. They were present before and accepted. And not only in Indian culture but in religions of the World like Chinese, Egyptian, Mesopotamian etc.
So, this is a book that takes readers back in time when Shikhandi, a woman became a man to satisfy her wife; or when Mahadeva became a woman to deliver his devotee’s child.
Shikhandi and Other ‘Queer’ Tales They Don’t Tell You by Devdutt Pattanaik Book Review:
I have read and appreciated Devdutt Pattanaik’s well-researched and frank books that always give a new perspective to already known or even unknown stories from Indian mythology. And this book is no different.
Shikhandi’s tale is well-known and I heard it as a kid for the first time but it was enlightening in a new sense as I read it again as an adult in this book. Similarly, stories of Mahadeva, Narad, Vishnu and so many other Gods changing their sex, cross-dressing, being in same sex relationships may seem scandalous but if we perceive them objectively without judgement then the sense of abiding love, devotion, and acceptance in all forms is prevalent in each story.
There is no such thing as an objective interpretation.”
Shikhandi and Other ‘Queer’ Tales They Don’t Tell You by Devdutt Pattanaik Book Quote
Hinduism is a religion that professes the “live and let live” philosophy, and Hindus by nature are shy and introverted. They keep to themselves, and often shy away from topics that are controversial. So, sex, and homosexuality are often taboo topics in Hindu households, but with this book, the author shows that what current society is terming as new is something as old as time.
LGBTQ / Queer people have been around for ages, and our forefathers accepted them as natural. Through this book, Devdutt Pattanaik has brought forth several stories from the glorious Indian culture showcasing a character or an incident of Queerness.
Hindu mythology makes constant references to queerness…
Hindu mythology makes constant references to queerness, the idea that questions notions of maleness and femaleness…There are also many words in Sanskrit, Prakrit and Tamil such as kliba, napumsaka, mukhabhaga, sanda, panda, pandaka, pedi that suggest a long familiarity with queer thought and behaviour. “
Shikhandi and Other ‘Queer’ Tales They Don’t Tell You by Devdutt Pattanaik Book Quote
Expertly told, the storytelling is crisp, and engaging. So, this book gives the readers food for thought, and ultimately leaves them with all the information to make their minds without judgement about a topic that is still in controversy.
Conclusion:
All in all, an enlightening book that shows how far ahead we once were. And that by acknowledging LGBTQ people we are simply catching up with a forgotten part of our glorious culture. Because our ancient culture was all about acceptance, and Queerness was nothing unnatural. So, read this book not only for entertainment but also for a new perspective on nature, and human psyche.
4 out of 5 stars to it and Njkinny recommends this Indian mythology anthology to all readers.
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