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
4 (of 45)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
Download the PDF file of the original publication
After Sudraka, the erotics in literature started blooming in its fulness. The study of erotic science became essential for the poets. The classification of heroes and heroines, the description of their qualities, the progress of their love and the means of their union are all described according to the tenets of Vatsyayana. K膩lid膩sa was the first poet, who shows the influerce of V盲tsy盲yana on him, clearly through his works. K膩lid膩sa, who was renowned as Srigarakavi, takes the help of Kamasutra, to depict erotic situations in his works. The descriptions of Malavik膩,7 P盲rvatl,8 Yak峁n clearly show that they are depicted as the Lotus type of lady, who bears the palm of ideal Irdian beauty. Further the depiction of Parvati as Mugdha, -12 30 -11
Madhya and Pragalbha is according to the words of
erotic texts. The poet, in Mechaduta, describes the
13 beauty of the house of the Yak峁 in many verses, as
7. Supra III Chapter, Fn.37, p.99.
8. Supra III Chapter, Fn.27-36, p.98.
9. Supra III Chapter, Fn.38, p.99.
10. Supra II Chapter, Fn.66, p.57.
11. Supra II Chapter, Fn.73, p.59.
12. Supra II Chapter, Fn.76, p.60.
13. Supra II Chapter, Fn.37-40, p.48.
378
