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
22 (of 31)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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22
between 9th Cen.A. D. and 12th Cen.A. D.
written in fifteen paricchedas.
Ratirahasya is
In the first, he gives
fourfold classification of females and their characteris-
tics which are not found in Vatsyāyana's Kamasutra.
In
the second he gives erogenous zones and narrates the days
when ladies are more excited. In the third, the author
describes the divisions of males and females according
to the size of sex-organ and nine types of congresses,
due to the size, duration and force. The fourth describes
the division and the characteristics of the women as per
age, prakṛti, sattva etc. The fifth deals with ladies
of various countries and their sexual behaviour. The
sixth describes the various kinds of embraces; the seventh
with kisses, the eighth with nail-marks, the ninth with
biting with teeth, the tenth with various postures of
union, the end of the union, purusayita, sītkāra etc.
The eleventh chapter instructs how to select a bride
for marriage and how to create confidence in ner. The
twelfth depicts the duties of an ideal wife. The thirteenth
chapter gives a description of the love-lorn condition.
It tells how to seduce others' wifes and the duties of
go-betweens. The fourteenth gives some plans to entice
women. The last chapter deals with aphrodisiacs.
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