This paper explores the position of transgenders in Indian society. Ancient India witnessed a great respect for transgenders as they were known as “Shivashakti” . The word Shivashakti is combination of Shiva (God Shiva) and Shakti (Goddess Parwati). India is a country of pious beliefs as Indians worship even stones as their almighty therefore it may not be a subject of curiosity that transgenders witnessed a good and honorable position in society. Their position in society deteriorated tremendously during medieval and colonial India as they were began to known as “Eunuchs” .The word “Eunuchs” derived from Greek language means “keeper of the bed” as they used to guard the royal women quarters. Transgender community is also known as Eunuchs, Hijra, Aravani, Kothis, Jogappas, Shivashakti,Khwaja Sara etc.

Keywords : Transgenders; Eunuchs; Hijra; Aravani; Khwaja Sara.