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.
Concluding Remarks
38 (of 45)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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412
Prataparudradeva, who was the king of Warrangal in 1268-
1319, is famous. His Yayaticarita exhibits his acquaintance
with erotic science. The drama in seven acts is based
on the theme of love of Yayati and Sarmi峁ａ弓h膩. Sarmisth膩
is pictured as a mugdha and she behaves according to
-205
206 the Kamasutra before her lover. Yay膩ti. Yayati creates
confidence in the mind of Sarmistha as if he is a follower
207 of Vatsyayana's tenets.
The love-lorn condition of
208 the hero and heroine i峁� according to Paradarikadhikara峁嘺.
Moreover Rudradeva accepts some statements of Vatsy膩yana
209 and describes them in another style.
Thus the drama-
tist composes his work with the help of erotic science
only.
1 Nayacandra is another poet influenced by the Kama-
Sastra. His Hammirakavya, which has fourteen cantos,
depicts the heroic deeds of Hammira, the last king of
Chohans. Though the k盲vya is full of heroic sentiment,
the poet has not missed to exhibit his knowledge of erotic
205. Supra III Chapter, Fn.69, 70, p.58, 59.
206. Supra IV Chapter. Fn.85, 86, p.261.
207. Supra IV Chapter, Fn.53, p.252.
208. Supra VI Chapter, Fn.28, p. 314; 31, p. 315; 40, p. 319.
209. Supra VI Chapter, Fn.51, p.322, 47, p.321.
