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 2 - Kamasutra part 1 (Sadharana-adhikarana)—Critical study
13 (of 48)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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' drawing pictures, in painting 'patralata' decorations, in writing manuscripts, in engraving, in all the arts of gambling, in interpreting the chirping of birds, in making astronomical calculations, in testing precious stones, in carpentary, in ivory-carving, in the art of building, in the science of medicine, in using machines, in anti- dotes against poisons, in breaking open by means of mines, in swimming, in rowing, in jumping, in erotic arts, in magic, in (the study of) romances, dramas, tales, poems, Mahabharata, Puraṇas, historical works, Rāmāyaṇa in all dialects of the country, in all the signs, in mechanical arts, in prosody and in different arts. Here Bana has taken many arts from the list of sixtyfour arts given by Vatsyayana. Kamasutra compels a courtesan to learn all these arts furnishing its uses. A public woman endowed with a good disposition, beauty and other winning qualities and who has studied the above arts obtains the fame of a Gaṇikā of high status and receives a seat of honour in an assemblage of men. men. 31 Therefore Damodaragupta describes
the skill of Malati, the young harlot, through a servant
31. आभिरभ्युच्छ्रिता वेश्या शीलरूपगुणन्वित� �
लभते गणिताशब्दं स्थानं � जन-संसद� � का. सू. [ābhirabhyucchritā veśyā śīlarūpaguṇanvitā |
labhate gaṇitāśabda� sthāna� ca jana-saṃsadi || kā. sū. ] 5.20.
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