Community-based resource management in the Western Himalaya: historical practices, governance structures and economic sustainability

Introduction

The article begins by explaining that transgender individuals in India experience both reverence and rejection. They have historically been associated with weddings, birth ceremonies, festivals, sacred texts, and spiritual practices. The introduction discusses terms such as hijra, kinnar, aravani, and jogappas, and notes the legal recognition of the third gender following the 2014 NALSA ruling. It also refers to cultural and mythological examples such as Ardhanarishvara, Arjuna as Brihannala, Mohini, and Shikhandi.

The paper then focuses on Jammu and Kashmir, particularly Jammu, where transgender people have historically occupied an important place in local spiritual and cultural life. Their presence is considered auspicious at births and marriages, while the tradition of badhai provides both social recognition and livelihood. The article also observes that the tradition has changed over time, including the increasing celebration of daughters. At the same time, transgender communities continue to experience marginalization because of social conservatism, patriarchal structures, and limited access to essential services and resources

Mythological and Historical Contexts

The article argues that transgender roles in Jammu and Kashmir are fluid and responsive to social change. Traditional practices such as badhai, astrology, palmistry, religious rituals, and matchmaking continue to provide cultural and economic significance, while transgender individuals increasingly adapt to changing environments. The badhai tradition, for example, remains an important source of livelihood, recognition, and social connection. Astrological and spiritual practices, including Budh Grah rituals, also provide transgender individuals with a form of social and spiritual authority despite their marginalization in other areas of life.

Evolving Roles and Adaptive Resilience

The article argues that transgender roles in Jammu and Kashmir are fluid and responsive to social change. Traditional practices such as badhai, astrology, palmistry, religious rituals, and matchmaking continue to provide cultural and economic significance, while transgender individuals increasingly adapt to changing environments. The badhai tradition, for example, remains an important source of livelihood, recognition, and social connection. Astrological and spiritual practices, including Budh Grah rituals, also provide transgender individuals with a form of social and spiritual authority despite their marginalization in other areas of life.

Contemporary Transgender Voices in Jammu and Kashmir

The paper highlights a younger generation of transgender individuals entering political, professional, social, artistic, and digital spaces. The case studies of Ashiba, Nitu Mai, Rubina Mahant, Shoaib, and Bebo illustrate different forms of leadership, social service, political participation, professional achievement, entrepreneurship, media visibility, and creative expression. These examples demonstrate a movement from traditional cultural roles toward broader forms of social participation and self-determination.

The introduction further explains that transgender individuals are adapting their traditional roles to changing social circumstances. Alongside traditional practices, they are entering areas such as astrology, palmistry, social work, matchmaking, entertainment, activism, and entrepreneurship. Drawing on fieldwork and scholars including Serena Nanda, Judith Butler, and Gayatri Reddy, the paper presents transgender people not simply as marginalized individuals but as people who actively create meaning, dignity, identity, relationships, and agency within society.

Mythological and Historical Contexts

The article establishes that transgender identities are deeply connected with Indian mythology and history rather than being a recent social phenomenon. It discusses Shikhandi in the Mahabharata, the hijras associated with the Ramayana, and the respected roles of eunuchs or khwajasaras during the Mughal period. The colonial period marked a major transformation, particularly through the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871, which criminalized and marginalized hijra communities. More recent legal developments, including the NALSA ruling and the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, are presented as steps toward restoring dignity and rights.

Evolving Roles and Adaptive Resilience

The article argues that transgender roles in Jammu and Kashmir are fluid and responsive to social change. Traditional practices such as badhai, astrology, palmistry, religious rituals, and matchmaking continue to provide cultural and economic significance, while transgender individuals increasingly adapt to changing environments. The badhai tradition, for example, remains an important source of livelihood, recognition, and social connection. Astrological and spiritual practices, including Budh Grah rituals, also provide transgender individuals with a form of social and spiritual authority despite their marginalization in other areas of life.

Contemporary Transgender Voices in Jammu and Kashmir

The paper highlights a younger generation of transgender individuals entering political, professional, social, artistic, and digital spaces. The case studies of Ashiba, Nitu Mai, Rubina Mahant, Shoaib, and Bebo illustrate different forms of leadership, social service, political participation, professional achievement, entrepreneurship, media visibility, and creative expression. These examples demonstrate a movement from traditional cultural roles toward broader forms of social participation and self-determination.

The narratives of these individuals emphasize certain aspects: transgender individuals remain linked to their previous societal roles, such as bestowing blessings and participating in cultural events, while simultaneously creating new opportunities for themselves to generate income and voice their opinions in society. This demonstrates that transgender individuals are capable and that their societal roles are evolving. This isn't solely about personal rights; it also involves preserving our culture, improving our communities, and fostering innovation in society.

Future research could examine how digital platforms, educational systems, and government policies can assist transgender individuals. Longitudinal studies of generational shifts within transgender communities and cross-regional studies across India would offer deeper insights into changing gender roles, social mobility and cultural integration. Such research can inform policies and comprehending the influence of transgender individuals on societal functions.

Conclusion

The rise of individual or personalities such as Nitu Mai, Rubina Mahant, Ashiba, Shoaib, and Bebo represents a shift for transgender individuals in Jammu and Kashmir. These individuals are emerging as leaders within society; altering perception regarding transgender individuals. They are engaged in areas such as employment, politics, and social services while utilizing digital media to lead their communities. This demonstrates that transgender individuals are not merely hoping for acceptance from others. They are asserting themselves and establishing their own role in society. They demonstrate that transgender individuals can be pioneers and leaders, contributing to making society a better environment for all.

The narratives of these individuals emphasize certain aspects: transgender individuals remain linked to their previous societal roles, such as bestowing blessings and participating in cultural events, while simultaneously creating new opportunities for themselves to generate income and voice their opinions in society. This demonstrates that transgender individuals are capable and that their societal roles are evolving. This isn't solely about personal rights; it also involves preserving our culture, improving our communities, and fostering innovation in society.

Future research could examine how digital platforms, educational systems, and government policies can assist transgender individuals. Longitudinal studies of generational shifts within transgender communities and cross-regional studies across India would offer deeper insights into changing gender roles, social mobility and cultural integration. Such research can inform policies and comprehending the influence of transgender individuals on societal functions.