Queerness existed in ancient India, proof of which can be found in epics, scriptures, prose, poetry, art and architecture. Hindus were taught through mythology that homosexuality is a manifestation of Karma, no one can fight it, and it should be regulated just like heterosexual desires. Gods can be frequently seen shifting genders, showing gender fluidity. In epic, Ramayana there is a mention of two female rakshasa kissing each other and King Bhagiratha who was son of two women. In other epic, Mahabharata represents transgender person through Shikhandi. Ancient Hindu medical text, Shushruta Samhita talks about how a couple can give birth to a 'third gender' kid. This is also mentioned in ancient texts on astrology, architecture and music written in India. Dharmashastras mentions non-vaginal sex very casually. Though it acknowledges homosexuality, it favours heterosexual marriages as they result in birth of a son. It tries to restrict queer sex by using penance and fines. Arthashastra of Kautilya asks for small fine to be paid by those involved in queer sex, mostly without consent. Manusmriti states that those who involved in such sex should purify themselves by fasting overnight, bathing with clothes on and activities involved with cow products; but heterosexual sex before marriage has worse punishments. Kamasutra mentions about sex between two males, two women and more, accepting all sexual desires and providing guidance in fulfilling those. The text acknowledges eight types of marriage, including Gandharva Vivah which approved of gay or lesbian marriage. The important thing to remember is these text do not represent every culture present in India because there are many tribes and communities within India who has different views on homosexuality which are hidden or not spoken much about.

India has abundance of graphic representation of homosexuality through art, paintings, sculptures scattered all over India. One of the prominent once is the Khajuraho temple sculptures which was commissioned by Chandela dynasty and built around 1000 AD, showcases men exposing their genitals to other men and women in embrace of each other, which are interpreted as acceptance of same-sex relationships and homosexuality as whole. The Sun temple of Konark in Eastern Orissa was there since 13th century, it is the one which showcases erotic scenes from Kamasutra. Temples of Puri, Tanjore, Rajrani temple in Bhubaneshwar and many others have sculptures representing homosexuality very openly and are definite proof of queer existence in the history of India.