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 1 - Introdcution to Kama and Kamashastra literature
20 (of 31)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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heightening of enjoyment etc. which are based on purely
medical science. Hence that adhikarana has not been taken
into consideration in this thesis.
G.P.Mujumdar remarks about Kamasutra thus "This
is a scientific treatise on erotics, the only early
treatise in the world on the subject, which gives us a
thoroughly accurate and wonderfully effective solution of
the problem of procreation.
The spirit and the method
in which the author attacks the problem is astonishingly
modern. "58
Having seen the subject matter of the Kama-
sutra, Havelock Ellis, exclaims that Vatsy膩yana is one
59 of the greatest authorities on sexology. The words
of Sir Richard Burton show the importance of Kamasutra
and excellence of Vatsyayana.
"The
Burton remarks
-
works of men of genius do follow them and remain as a
lasting treasure. And though there may be disputes and
discussions about the immortality of the body or the soul,
nobody can deny the immortality of genius, which ever
remains as a bright and guiding star to the struggling
humanities of succeeding ages. This work, then, which
stood the test of centuries, has placed Vatsyayana among
the immortals and on This and on Him no better elegy or
58. "Plants in Erotics, Indian Culture XV, p.74.
59. Studies in the Psychology of Sex. Vol. II,
Part-III p.538.
