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 3 - Kamasutra part 2 (Samprayogika)鈥擟ritical study
154 (of 155)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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Thus the second adhikarana has much influenced the classical Sanskrit poets. We see more influence on kavvas than on dramas, because the matters which were discussed here are related mainly to poetry i.e. Sravya k膩wya, Dramaturgy will not allow all these erotic acts on the stage. Hence the dramatists have not depicted kiss, embrace etc. in their dramas. But falling on the feet of the beloved is depicted by most of the dramatists. 233 The matters related to external and internal coition,
are described by the poets as if they are going to illus-
trate the Kamasutra in their k膩vyas. Ornate poets like
Bh膩ravi, Magha, Srihar峁 etc. have exhibited their know-
ledge of sexology by describing erotic amusements in many
cantoes. Other poets like Bilha峁嘺, Pravarasena, Ratn膩kara,
Anantabhatta, Amaruka, Gangadevi etc. have trodden the
same path and they have followed the Kamasutra and other
erotic works word by word.
Jayadeva, who was an ardent devotee of Lorc K峁涐梗pa,
has not missed to depict the amorous amusements of his
God with Radha. A. B. Keith opines thus- "Jayadeva depicts
the perfection of the Indian beauty and transforms into
poetry all the arts of the love which Kamasastra lays down.
44 Classical Sanskrit Literature, Y.M.C. A. Publishing
House, Calcutta, 1947 (5th Ed.)
3 鈥�44
