Hijron Ka Khanqa

Exploring Khanqahs and the "Convent of Hijras": A Historical Look at Sufi Monasteries and the Transgender Community in Delhi

Mehrauli Archeological Park Walk with Harry

Monasteries were historically used as religious resting places for travelers, serving as monasteries and convents for Sufis and Dervishes. These institutions were attended by devotees from all walks of life, including royalty, aristocrats and commoners. Here, they would discuss spiritual matters, seek blessings from saints, or participate in music and dance sessions. Sufis organized communities around these monasteries, led by a teacher called a shaykh, pir, or murshid. Many monasteries were located near dargahs, mosques and madrasas.

Mehrauli Archeological Park Heritage Walk Read: Hijron ka Khanqah. with Harry

One such monastery, the "Convent of Hijras" near the tomb of Sufi saint Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki in Delhi, is a special place for transgender women to connect with spirituality. The monument, also known as the Monastery of Hijras, is well maintained by eunuchs and has a mosque within its premises. Eunuchs regularly come here to pray and seek blessings. White-painted tombs of hijras or eunuchs can be seen in the courtyard of the monument, with the central tomb dedicated to the veneration of a eunuch named Mian Sahib. Mehrauli's peaceful surroundings make it the perfect place for visitors to visit its many historical monuments, including the Hijras Monastery.

See: Meaning of Hijras in Asia.

How the Transgender Community was Perceived in Medieval Times

Trans women in medieval times were distinguished by the cultural and religious beliefs of the society in which they lived.

For example, in some Islamic societies, trans women were considered to have special spiritual gifts and were revered as holy or holy figures. They were often given positions of authority within the community and were seen as powerful mediators between the divine and human realms.

On the other hand, in medieval Europe, trans women were often persecuted and considered deviant or sinful. They were given harsh punishments including imprisonment, torture and hanging.

It is important to note that the concept of "transgender" as we understand it today did not exist in medieval times, and people who deviated from traditional gender norms were often labeled with different terms or categories. in which he lived. It is difficult to make broad generalizations about how all trans women were perceived during this time period.

Another important transgender school in India is the Sahodri Foundation in Tamil Nadu. It is a non-profit organization founded in 2008 by transgender activist Kalki Subramaniam. The objective of the Sehowdri Foundation is to promote the rights and welfare of transgender people through various initiatives such as education, health care, employment, and advocacy.

Apart from the monasteries and the Sahoudri Foundation, there are also various cultural rituals and traditions associated with the transgender community in India. One such tradition is the Hijra Haba, also known as the Hijra Mela. This festival is celebrated by the Hijra community in India on the death anniversary of their patron saint Hazrat Baba Syed Pir Shah Qadri.

Celebrating Transgender Culture and Tradition in India: Khanqahs, the Sahodari Foundation, and the Hijra Habba Festival

Hijra Haba is a colorful and vibrant festival, where hijras come together to sing, dance and offer blessings to people. It is also a time for hijras to gather and discuss issues that affect their community. This festival is celebrated all over India, with each region having its own unique traditions and customs.

Additionally, the transgender community in India has a rich history in the performing arts, particularly dance and music. Hijras have traditionally been associated with the Devadasi system, which involved the dedication of young girls to temple deities. Over time, hijras played the role of dancers and actors in temples.

Read: Famous Temples in Delhi Tour Guide

Today, the transgender community in India thrives in the performing arts, with many hijras pursuing careers as dancers, singers, and actors. India also has a number of transgender dance and music groups that perform at various cultural events and festivals.