Mrinal Kanti Dutta's autobiographical novel 'Pakhi Hizrer Biye' (2013) tells the story of undesired and marginalised humans that are buried under heaps of problems and inhabit a dark corner of our society, roaming door to door, beating drums in search of newborns. These people, whom society sees as objects of ridicule and mockery, are known as 'hijras'. The novel tells the story of their lives and livelihoods, whether some are born hijras or become hijras through artificial means, their rituals, customs, deities, and even the horrific, inhumane secret ceremonies after their deaths. Although raised in an educated environment, the novel’s central character, Bipasha, was suppressed in various ways by that very environment. Driven by aspirations, she leaves her family and joins a hijra community, overcoming various obstacles along the way. Through Bipasha, the author has intricately analysed the struggles of different characters in the hijra community. Bipasha, also known as Pakhi, struggles and ultimately finds true love. Had she not broken free from her cramped surroundings, perhaps her latent desires would never have been fulfilled. The author, Mrinal Kanti Dutta, identifies the character of Bipasha as a symbol of the hijras' struggle for life and rights.

Hijra, Bipasha, Dera (Community), Chromosome, Intersex, Sexuality, ‘Don’ (Panel system).