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)—Critical study
18 (of 155)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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of Vatsyāyana) and four types (Padmini, Citriṇi, Sankhinī, HastinI) of ladies except the number because the qualities of three types (of ladies) are divided in four types. 97 Description of such feminine beauty has attained a
remarkable significance in Sanskrit literature. No other
literature in the world has probably described the femi-
nine physical beauty as in Sanskrit. The poets have
sketched the pictures of females from hair to feet accord-
ing to the Indian conception of feminine beauty.
No
doubt, most of the descriptions follow an established
convention of literature and it is according to the text
of erotics. In the beginning of classical Sanskrit
literature, it is not seen much, but when we approach the
age of ornate poetry, we come to know that description
of feminine beauty is to display the knowledge of erotic
Description of Damayanti, which extends over
science.
a full canto (7th canto of Nasadhiya) is the best example
for it. Though the description is very long, it is valuable
due to the poetic beauty. The poets are not averse to
the spiritual beauty though they are depicting the physical
charms.
All the heroines in Sanskrit dramas or in poetries
Kalidasa depicts
are mostly the Lotus-type of women.
