Hijra is an Islamic term which refers to an ethnic group of South Asian origin who have a traditional third gender identity. The term hijra is also used to refer to transgender people, cross-dressers and intersex people.
Hijra spelling is the convention of spelling hijra as opposed to an English-language phonetic spelling. Different spellings exist in different languages, such as ‘hizra’ in Urdu, ‘heder’ in Arabic, and ‘yehya’ in Turkish.
The term ‘hijra’, thus, refers to the ethnic, social and spiritual gender identity of a person or their community, known as hijras or kinnars in South Asia, which goes beyond the gender binary, and often includes an inter-generational identity and belonging to a distinct culture and subculture.
Therefore, ‘hijra’ is the culturally accepted spelling of hijra in English.
What are the other names of hijra?
The term hijra is most often used in South Asia to refer to an individual who was assigned male at birth, but identifies as a female/non-binary gender. They are also often referred to as kinnars, jogappas, aravanis, jogtas, chhakka, thirunangai, or aruvani.
Hijras have a long history in the region and are believed to bring good luck. They may be seen at weddings and other events, performing rituals or blessing ceremonies. In many areas, hijras are afforded equal status and some even have their own temples.
They are an important part of South Asian culture and are generally accepted and respected members of their communities.
How many types of hijra are there?
In South Asian culture, the term “hijra” is a term used to refer to individuals who do not conform to the gender norms or categories of male or female. Hijras are also referred to as “third gender” individuals or even “third sex” individuals.
Generally, hijras belong to the transgender and intersex communities in South Asia and follow various customs and rituals.
Traditional and modern understanding of the hijras identifies two or three gender categories within the community: angwa and shiv-shakti, and the modern term khwaja sira. The difference between the gender categories often has to do with the biological sex of the individual, as well as their social and spiritual roles within the community.
Angwa refers to hijras who are born biologically male and who identify as male, while shiv-shakti are hijras who are born biologically female and identify as female. The khwaja sira refers to hijras who are born either intersex or are born male, but who identify as female.
In addition, hijras in South Asian culture may also be classified according to their social and religious roles within the community. These roles include the guru which are leaders and experienced elder hijras, chhara, who are considered to be the “guardians” of the community and may include other non-binary gender expressions, and chela, who are young hijras learning from their guru.
Thus, there are various types of hijra in South Asian cultures, based on biological sex and gender identity, as well as social roles within the community.
What is the actual meaning of hijra?
Hijra is an umbrella term that is used to refer to individuals who don’t conform to a traditional gender binary. It is a South Asian term for those who are assigned male at birth, but identify and present as a gender other than male or female.
This can include people who identify as transgender, third gender, and two-spirit, among many others. The term hijra is also sometimes used to describe transsexual women who may identify as female or neither gender.
It is important to note that hijra is an identity, and people who identify this way may take on a variety of roles in their community. This includes people who are transgender women, feminine men, intersex people, drag performers, or asexual people.
Hijra has different cultural associations and meanings depending on where each individual is from, and it has been documented across South Asia for centuries.
How old is the word hijra?
The term hijra is believed to have been used as early as the 16th century in the subcontinent of India and the Indian subcontinent. The term is also found in early Persian texts, and was first recorded as an English word by Francis Gladwin in 1788.
It is believed to have been derived from the Arabic term hizra, which means a “beyond the limit” or “beyond the reach”. In recent times, the term hijra has been adopted to refer to people who identify as transgender, third gender, gender non-conforming, and intersex individuals who do not conform to traditional notions of gender and sexuality.
The identity and existence of hijras has been recognized and respected by many cultures in South Asia for centuries, and is still prominent in countries like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Are hijras by birth?
No, hijras are not by birth. Hijras are an umbrella term used in the Indian subcontinent to refer to a group of people who do not conform to conventional gender roles – they may identify as third gender, transsexual, transvestite, intersex, androgynous, transgender, or may identify as having an additional gender outside of male and female.
It is a broad term that encompasses a range of gender identities and expressions, some of which are innate and some of which are learned. People who are hijras may have experienced rejection from their families or communities for their gender identity, and for some, their gender identity is a source of personal pride.
In order to identify as a hijra, a person must make a conscious choice to do so and must have the support of their family and community.
How do you say hijra in English?
Hijra is a term used primarily in South Asia to refer to individuals assigned male at birth who have a gender identity that is not exclusively male or female. It is also used as an umbrella term for people who are transgender, gender variant, intersex and/or third gender.
In English, people who identify as hijra may use terms such as transgender woman, transgender man, genderqueer, and non-binary.
Why do eunuchs clap?
Eunuchs are members of an ancient caste of men and women who have been castrated, either before puberty or afterwards. Historically, they have served in various roles such as guards, attendants, and advisors in court settings and other noble households.
In many cultures, eunuchs are commonly seen clapping as a sign of respect or appreciation. This tradition can be traced back to ancient Oriental times and is believed to date back to at least 2000 B.
C.
The practice of eunuchs clapping has several different meanings which can depend on context and region. In some cases, eunuchs will clap to acknowledge the presence of a royal or high-ranking personage.
This show of respect is both a practical and symbolic gesture which pays homage to their station and reminds those present of their power and status. Other times, eunuchs may clap to indicate agreement or approval.
This signifies that they understand and accept whatever instructions they have been given and will proceed to carry them out. Clapping can also be used to draw attention or to initiate activities or ceremonies.
In more modern times, eunuchs are no longer employed in many of their traditional roles. Nonetheless, in some communities where they still remain, they may continue to clap with the same meanings and traditional customs.
It is also possible to encounter eunuchs clapping in theatre, music and other cultural performances as a way of expressing appreciation.
What are the 3 genders in India?
In India, one of the most diverse nations in the world, gender is determined by a variety of factors, including social and cultural norms, religion, and physical characteristics. India recognizes three distinct genders: male, female, and transgender (or hijra).
Male: Generally, individuals who have male anatomy, such as a penis and testes, and produce sperm, are designated as male. This is the gender typically assigned at birth, meaning a male-gendered individual is often referred to as a cisgender male.
Female: Generally, individuals who have female anatomy, such as ovaries and a uterus, as well as breasts, are designated as female. This is the gender typically assigned at birth, meaning a female-gendered individual is referred to as a cisgender female.
Transgender (or Hijra): Transgender, or hijra, is an umbrella term for individuals whose gender does not align with the sex assigned to them at birth. In India, hijras are recognized by the court as a third gender, and laws protect their rights.
The term “hijra” is also used for individuals who were born male but identify as female, often including those who are transsexual, transsexual women, genderqueer, androgynous, and gender non-conforming.
The recognition of three genders in India is an important step toward promoting acceptance of LGBTQ+ people and giving them civil rights, as well as creating systemic change in society to ensure gender equity.
Where does the word hijra come from?
The word “hijra” is derived from the Arabic word hjr, which means “departure. ” Historically, this term was used to refer to transgender individuals, eunuchs and intersex persons in South Asia since the medieval period.
The term has since been adopted as a label of gender identity, specifically to refer to individuals who identify as neither men nor women. Over the centuries, the hijra community in South Asia has developed its own unique cultural, spiritual and social identity.
This includes their own language and music, as well as their own traditional roles and occupations within the larger community. As a result, the hijra community has been known to challenge the traditional social hierarchies of South Asian culture by forming close-knit communities that provide support to the members and acceptance of gender variance.
What is the history of Kinner?
Kinner is a small aircraft manufacturer located in the United States that has a long and rich history. The history of Kinner dates back to the late 1910’s when the founders, Charles Kinner and his father Charles Kinner Sr.
, established the Kinner Airplane & Motor Corporation in Los Angeles, California. Charles Kinner, Sr. had years of experience in designing and constructing airplanes and motors and offered the company’s services designing and building customized airplanes for private use.
Kinner was one of the first aviation companies to produce reliable and affordable aircraft that could be used for private travel or business use. Over the years, the company developed and manufactured a variety of airplanes such as the Kinner Model A, Kinner Hisso, and the Kinner Sportster.
Most of these airplanes were sold or leased to the US Army during World War I and II.
In the 1940’s Kinner added helicopters to their product line and developed the K-2, K-6 and K-7. These helicopters were widely used by the US military to transport troops, equipment and supplies. In the 1950’s, the company created the Kinner Space Cruiser, a low-powered rocket plane.
This was the first commercial rocket aircraft to be used by the public. In the 1960’s Kinner focused on manufacturing light general aviation airplanes such as the Larkliner, a commuter airplane.
In the 1970’s the company was sold to Swearingen Corporation and changed its name to Kinner Aircraft Company. During this time they developed the Kinner-B – a two-seat, low-wing aircraft designed for personal light aircraft use.
The company also went public and listed on the NASDAQ under the name Kinner Aircraft Corporation. In the 1980’s the company went through several changes in ownership, but it remains a small aircraft manufacturer that specializes in light aircraft for personal and charter use.
Does Sanskrit have 3 genders?
Yes, Sanskrit has three genders: masculine, feminine, and neuter. Masculine gender is used to refer to persons or animals of the male sex, while feminine gender is used to refer to persons or animals of the female sex.
Neuter gender is used to refer to things or concepts which are neither male nor female, such as rivers, mountains, or abstract nouns. All nouns are either masculine, feminine, or neuter, and adjectives, verbs, and pronouns must also agree with the gender of the nouns they modify or refer to.
In addition, Sanskrit has several different noun declensions, each of which also agrees with gender.
What are hijras biologically?
Hijras are an umbrella term used in South Asia to refer to individuals who may not identify with their assigned gender at birth or those who may identify as a gender or sex other than male or female.
Although they have often been associated with male-to-female transgender people, hijras recently have come to be better understood as encompassing a range of gender expressions, gender identities, and sexual orientations.
Hijras are biological males, but typically dress in female clothing and often live in communities. Hijras consider themselves neither female nor male and usually do not regard themselves as members of the LGBT community, as they have their own distinct culture and beliefs.
Hijras often adorn themselves with exaggerated makeup, elaborate jewelry, and bright saris. Some also practice hijra or kothi-style dancing, singing, and playing instruments at weddings to earn money.
Because they occupy a unique social space outside of binary gender categories, hijras have often faced discrimination, poverty, and exclusion.
How do hijras earn their living?
Hijras are a traditional and marginalized community in South Asia, consisting of anatomical males who identify as female. They are often ostracized from mainstream society and, as a result, many of them earn their living through a variety of informal occupations such as begging, selling handicrafts, or providing services like massages and haircuts.
Hijras often struggle to access formal employment due to discrimination and stigma. As a result, many of them find alternative means to earn money. Some hijras rely on support networks within their own communities, while others may engage in criminal activities like robbery or inducements.
Additionally, a significant number of hijras rely on sex work in order to survive. Some of the young members of the community have even taken to the internet to create virtual services and businesses to supplement their income.
Although this is the reality for many hijras, there are several local efforts to bring more formal opportunities to the community. This includes non-profit organizations such as the Hijra National Council which works to combat discrimination and create more job prospects for hijras.
Organizations like these, along with greater public awareness, can hopefully contribute to improved livelihoods and better access to work opportunities for the hijra community.
Why Mughals kept hijra with their wife?
The Mughals had very specific social customs that required them to maintain certain relationships within the home. One important relationship was the relationship between men and their concubines.
In Mughal society, male rulers and courtiers were allowed to have multiple wives and also keep other female companions known as hijras. The Mughal emperors commonly kept hijras with their wives in a harem structure, which included one or more hijras as well as the wives.
Hijras were female companions, often of low social status, who provided sexual services to the male ruler. This was an accepted practice among the Mughals, as it was seen as a sign of power and status.
The hijras were treated better than wives, in some cases receiving gifts and luxuries, as well as being given the best seats at court.
The Mughals kept hijras with their wives for a number of reasons. For one, hijras provided a sexual outlet for the male ruler, a way for him to fulfill his desires without ever having to break his marriage vows.
This kept him from straying and also kept him tied to his wife, which was seen as a sign of loyalty in Mughal culture.
Additionally, hijras were seen as providing a variety of services to their ruler, such as companionship, entertainment, and protection. As Mughal society developed, this concept of a hijra as someone to provide additional services in the harem expanded.
This meant that a hijra might not necessarily always provide sexual services, and instead might offer services such as counseling, spiritual guidance, and even astrological advice.
The custom of keeping hijras with Mughal wives had a long-lasting impact and was continued even after the Mughal Empire had reached its decline. Even today, many South Asian households still maintain the tradition, although it is a practice that is slowly diminishing due to social changes.