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Essay name: Kamashastra and Classical Sanskrit literature (study)

Author: Vishwanath K. Hampiholi
Affiliation: Karnatak University / Department of Sanskrit

This essay in English studies the influence of Kamashastra on classical Sanskrit literature by exploring the significance of Kama (sexual desire) within Indian philosophy and literature. It is highlighted tat ancient Indians valued both spiritual and worldly aspects of life. The treatise "Kamasutra" by Vatsyayana is highlighted as a pioneering erotic text, addressing sexual pleasure as an art form.

Chapter 5 - Kamasutra part 4 (Bharya-adhikarana )—Critical study

Page:

16 (of 16)


External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Warning! Page nr. 16 has not been proofread.

303
In the Malavikagnimitra, Kalidasa sketches Agnimitra,
who is interested in Mālavikā, but who does not want to
hurt the feelings of the other_ wives. Hence Samahitikā,
an attendant of Kausiki says- "The king. indeed is strongly
attached to her. He does not exercise his authority only
in order to respect the feelings of queen Dhāriṇl 163
Even in the third act, when Agnimitra is caught red-handed
by Iravati, he bows down to her only to respect her. In
both the above contexts we see that he is not interested
in displeasing them. Hence he himself says- "O I you
with Bimba-like lips, courtesy indeed is the family vow
,,64
of the descendants of Bimbaka.
Thus these sutras have
helped Kalidasa to sketch the character of Agnimitra.
Thus this adhikarana has impressed the Sanskrit
literature. Especially this adhikarana has helped the
poets in sketching an ideal Hindu wife.
Vatsyayana's
instructions to a house-wife have helped not only the
Granis but also the poets. He has glorified the place
of a married woman. He has advised the elder wife and
the younger wife separately to create harmony in the house.
Kalidasa has elaborated the words of Kamasutra in his
dramas. In this way this adhikaraṇa has given inspiration
to
to
the poets to depict an ideal, an honest and a helpful
life-partner.
63. बलवत्खलु साभिलाषो तस्यां भर्त� � केवल� देव्या धारिण्याश्चित्तं
रक्षन्नात्मन� प्रभुत्व� � दर्शयत� � मा�. [balavatkhalu sābhilāṣo tasyā� bhartā | kevala� devyā dhāriṇyāścitta�
rakṣannātmana� prabhutva� na darśayati | .
]
3. अं�. पृ. [aṃka. p�. ] 44.
64. दाक्षिण्यं ना� बिम्बोष्ठि बैम्बिकाना� कुलव्रतम� �
मा�. [dākṣiṇya� nāma bimboṣṭhi baimbikānā� kulavratam |
.
]
4. 14.

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