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 7 - Kamasutra part 6 (Vaishika-adhikarana)—Critical study
15 (of 29)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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drops of water fallen on lotus-leaves."42 360 The Kamasutra instructs that the courtesan should
venerate her lover's family, his disposition, skill,
learning, caste, complexion, native country, friends,
43 good qualities, age and his sweet temper. According to
this sutra Vasantasena shows respect to the good quali-
ties of Carudatta directly and indirectly. When she wants
to deposit her ornaments, she says "Deposits are entrusted
1.45
to persons and not to houses. "44 This expression of
Vasantasenä clearly shows that she has liked the good
qualities of Carudatta. Hence she utters- "It is merit
indeed that is the cause of love and not force.
she lauds him as a mango tree, before śakāra who is like
a Palasa tree and proclaims- "An effort should be made to
serve a man of (good) family and (virtuous) character,
"
Further
42. भगवन्कृतान्त पुष्करपत्रपतितजलबिन्दुसदृशैः क्रीडत�
त्वं पुरुषभागधेयै� � मृच्�. [bhagavankṛtānta puṣkarapatrapatitajalabindusadṛśai� krīḍati
tva� puruṣabhāgadheyai� | ṛc. ] 6.218.
43. कुलशीलशिल्प जाति विद्या वर्ण वित्� दे� मित्रगुणवय�
माधुर्� पूजा | का. �. [kulaśīlaśilpa jāti vidyā varṇa vitta deśa mitraguṇavayo
mādhurya pūjā | kā. sa. ] 6.2-31.
44. पुरुषेषु न्यासा� निक्षिप्यन्त� � पुनर्गेहेष� �
पुनर्गेहेष� �
मृच्�. [puruṣeṣu nyāsā� nikṣipyante na punargeheṣu |
punargeheṣu |
ṛc. ] 1. पृ. [�.] 62.
45. गुणः खल्वनुरागस्य कारण� � पुनर्बलात्कारः � मृच्�. [guṇa� khalvanurāgasya kāraṇa� na punarbalātkāra� | ṛc. ] 1. पृ. [�. ] 38.
