Scientific Success or a Magical Gender Transition: A Study of Ashwini Shenoy’s Novel Shikhandini

Gender encompasses the culturally constructed characteristics associated with males, females, young males and young females. This social construct is variable from one culture to another, and it evolves through time and space. The concept of LGBTQ is not new to our land, and our ancient mythological traditions have answers which will shed the cloud of ignorance and embrace the freedom of choices on sexuality. Rigid ideas of gender can be detrimental to every individual. Shikhandi has been a character of power and rage and played a crucial role in turning the tables in the epic war of the Mahabharata. Ashwini Shenoy’s novel Shikhandini not only focuses on the quest for identity for the protagonist but also explores the scientific possibilities of the physical changes that she goes through to establish her gender identity. Our land has never alienated the concept of transgender; Shikhandi is always seen as a strong individual who is also given a place in the war. Today, we are looking at these concepts differently and asking for validation. We are reminded by authors like Ashwini of our rich cultural narratives, which have a place for every individual. Some see the gender reversal as magical, but the author here talks about the medical advances in ancient times, which helped Shikhandini to feel more adapted to her body and mind. Hindu philosophy has always distinguished between body and soul. The soul is a divine presence, and the physical attributes are distinct from the soul. Every soul comes from the same divine source of energy, and thus every individual deserves equal recognition and dignity, irrespective of their sexual orientation.