Queer Literary Expressions in the Select Anthological Collection “Yaraana” by Hoshang Merchant— A Critical Study

Abstract

This Research paper deals with a critical study of selected Indian queer literary marvels written by different Queer Writers of India, which has found its deep expression in the anthological collection “Yaraana” (1999) by Hoshang Merchant. Being gay or queer in India has always been considered and believed to be of occidental origin and has no connections with Indian society despite the fact that Homosexuality in India dates back to as early as the 2nd Century CE and is mentioned in the ancient Indian text Kamasutra and is explicitly depicted in the famous Khajuraho Temple. Most early modern queer writings were not documented due to the fear of being executed, as it was illegal and despised at the time. Queer Indians have secretly produced a lot of good writing reflecting their common lives, perceptions, feelings, pains, and pleasures. These emotions finds its expressions in both English and other Vernacular languages and the later is also translated into English by many modern and openly gay writers like Hosang Merchant, R. Raj Rao, Mahesh Dattani, Ashok Row Kavi, Vishnu Khandekar, Vikram Seth etc. Due to the queer nature of queer literature, most writings are difficult for common readers to find. Unlike the common literary genres, the LGBTQ genre came much later in the English Literary Canon. The anthological collection of gay writings from South Asia by Hoshang Merchant has made the critical study of Queer Expressions easy and possible. The anthology is a collection of 47 Queer Expressions by different Queer Writers of South Asian origin, mostly from India. Diaspora has also enriched the queer literature through their vivid expressions and shades . Love, deception, acceptance, romance, hidden lives, queer feelings and fear of being found out, sexual desire and pleasures, and unfulfilled ambitions have been beautifully woven through stories by queer writers. This provides insight into their lives and the societal conditioning impacting their lives.