Historical Evolution of Kinnar Akhara and Its Significance in Sanatan Dharma: An Analysis
Author : Dr. Mohd Shamim and Dr. Mohammad Kamil
Abstract :
This paper traces the historical evolution of the Kinnar Akhara from its conceptual roots in ancient Vedic traditions through its formal establishment in 2019, examining its profound significance within the broader framework of Sanatan Dharma. Through a comprehensive analysis of Sanskrit texts, historical records, colonial documentation, and contemporary sources, this study demonstrates that the Kinnar Akhara represents not a modern innovation but rather the culmination of a millennia-long trajectory of gender-transcendent spirituality within Hindu tradition. The research reveals how ancient concepts of tritiya-prakriti (third nature) evolved through medieval institutionalization of hijra communities, survived colonial suppression, and ultimately found expression in contemporary religious structures. The paper argues that the Kinnar Akhara's establishment constitutes a pivotal moment in the restoration of Sanatan Dharma's inclusive theological foundations, challenging binary constructions of gender and spirituality that emerged during periods of cultural disruption.
Keywords :
Kinnar Akhara, historical evolution, Sanatan Dharma, tritiya-prakriti, hijra communities, gender transcendence, religious institutionalization.