A brief history of drag in India: From mythology to modern icons
A look at how drag has shaped—and been shaped by—Indian identity, artistry, and self-expression.
Some paint to express, some sing, some write… And then some dress. Drag is a way of expression which is not confined by gender or sexual orientation. Drag is free of any notions and restrictions. It’s a blank canvas, waiting to be painted in bold, unapologetic strokes of the rainbow, each colour echoing pride, identity, and fearless self-expression.
The Origin of the term ‘DRAG’
The origins of drag can be traced back to the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Since the church controlled theatre at the time, women were kept off the stage, leaving men to play every role. Thus, men ended up playing the roles of their female counterparts, too. Men would often wear extravagant costumes—think costumes with flowy trails and billowing gowns—to play female roles. These flowy trails are believed to have inspired the term 'drag', a literal term for garments that quite literally dragged behind them.
The term soon came to be associated with gay and heterosexual men who dressed dramatically. As time progressed, the idea of men dressing in women’s clothing took on new meaning. Ernest Boulton and Frederick Park, also known as Fanny and Stella, were the distinguished drag queens of the Victorian era. They challenged traditional gender norms and faced legal difficulties, but that did not stop them from touring throughout Britain and expressing themselves.
India and its ancestral ties with drag
India’s connection to drag is as old as its myths, rooted in ritual, culture, and creative expression. Hindu mythology, Indian folk dances, and regional lores are all peppered with instances of extravagant dressing and serve as a testimony to the fact that drag is an integral part of our culture.
Take, for instance, Sadu Mata ni Pol, a 200-year-old tradition in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. On the eighth night of Navratri (Ashtami), men from the Barot community drape themselves in bright saris and adorn themselves with jewellery to perform garba. This tradition symbolises faith. According to locals, this ritual is performed to release the community from the curse placed by a woman named Sadu Ben, who was failed by the men of this community.
Chamayavilakku is a unique festival from Kottankulangara village in Kerala, where thousands of men dress as women to offer prayers to Goddess Durga, also known as Vanadurga, at the Sree Devi Temple. Legend says the temple was built after a group of boys struck a stone that began to bleed—believed to be a manifestation of the goddess. With no women present to perform the rituals, the boys dressed as females and offered prayers, starting a tradition that continues to this day and draws visitors from across the country.
Drag isn’t limited to rituals or festivals—it has deep mythological roots, too. Tales of drag in India can also be found in epics like the Mahabharata. Arjuna is said to have dressed as Brihnala during their exile to redeem himself from the curse of Urvashi. Shikhandi, who was born as a female, Shikhandini, was known to be the reincarnation of Amba, who was wronged by Bhishma (one of the five Pandavas).
Drag in Today’s India
The drag scene in India gained momentum after 2014, when the Indian government recognised transgender individuals as citizens and granted them full constitutional rights. Among the many voices shaping India’s drag movement is Patruni Chidananda Sastry. A performer, husband, and father, Sastry weaves Indian classical dance and drag into an expressive art form. He’s also the founder of Dragvanti, a platform dedicated to nurturing Indian drag artists.
Equally iconic is Sushant Divgikar, or Rani Ko-HE-Nur, a name now synonymous with representation. With appearances on major TV platforms and a powerful stage presence, Divgika continues to break ground for queer performers across the country.
While drag culture is on the rise in India, it is not just limited to drag queens, we have drag kings too. Drag kings are females who dress up like males, challenging societal norms. Durga Gawde, who identifies as genderfluid, is known as one of the most famous drag kings in India.
Another prominent name is Bidisha Mohanta, a.k.a. Mohanta, who compares sexuality with music. She is trained in Hindustani classical music and is a student of the late Padmabhushan Ustad Abdul Rashid Khan Sahib. She is also trained in English pop music, which makes her shine with versatility.
The Gentlemen's Club, aka Tape-Patchwork Ensemble, is India’s first drag king show featuring a super talented cast including Puja Sarup, Sheena Khalid, Shikha Talsania, and Ratnabali Bhatacharjee. They beautifully blend dance, music and drag, creating a masterpiece.
Today, drag in India is no longer limited to nightlife, clubs, or marginalised individuals. It is about self-expression, performing arts, gender fluidity, and standing up for one’s truth. Drag queens and kings are writing poetry, giving TED Talks, walking ramps, and making history. It has become a powerful medium for individuals to earn a living while staying true to who they are. It's only a matter of time before India gets its drag race, and the queens and kings are more than ready!
Lead Image: Freepik
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Also read: Patruni Chidananda Sastry on fatherhood, fluidity, and everyday joy in 'In Transit' and beyond
