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
44 (of 45)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
Download the PDF file of the original publication
418
Kamasastra has influenced not only Sanskrit litera-
ture but also Indian sculpture. The temples of Khajuraho,
Koṇārka, Jagannathapuri etc. are the best examples for it 229
The beauty of the female limbs is carved on stones without
any hesitation. The stone damsels of Belüra and Halebidu
in Karnatak exhibit their physical beauty to every visitor.
The various types of coition postures carved on the walls
of Lakṣmaṇa temple of Khajuraho, Sun temple of Koṇārka,
Rajivalocana temple of Rajim (M.P.), Jagannatha temple of
Puri, and Vīranārāyaṇa temple of Gadag (Karnatak) exhibit
the influence of Kamasastra on sculpture.
The influence of Kamasastra is also seen in Indian
paintings. The paintings of Krsna and Gopis at Mattancheri
palace Cochin, Bhikṣāṭanamurti and Mohini at Nataraja
temple Chidambaram, Princess at her toilet, princess in
the garden and royal couple in the harem at Ajanta caves,
dancing Apsara of Bṛhadeśvara temple Tanjore, clearly show
the erotic themes in their colours.
Even in the prosody, we see the erotic element in
229. Cf. Calambur Sivaramamurthy, The Art of India,
New York, 1977.
1
