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Kamashastra and Classical Sanskrit literature (study)

by Vishwanath K. Hampiholi | 1986 | 78,921 words

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 pione...

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This Paradarikadhikarana has impressed many poets The first adhyaya which deals with in various manners. the ten stages of love-lorn condition has helped most of the poets in depicting lovers' condition in separation. Some poets like sriharsa have depicted all the stages in a canto together to display their mastery over this erotic science. These stages are helpful in sketching the psychological conditions and interse passion of lovers. Vatsyayana has told these stage 3 343 109. svatantryam pitrmandire nivasatiryatrotsave sadgati Troot geanturafaunt atat fagh alir | samsargah saha pumscali bhirasakrdavrtternijaya ksatih patyurvadikamarsitam pravasanam nasasya hetuh striyah || rate . 4.22. 110. Supra F.n. 1 of this chapter.

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in connection with those who are love-sick for other's wives. But the poets have extended the scope of the subject matter and have used them in connection with every hero and heroine. Vatsyayana further makes a remark about the behaviour of women in sex matters. accepted by most of the poets. His remark is generally Hence we see many verses which narrate woman as fickle, as sexy, as unworthy of trust etc. Innumerable remarks about women are seen in fable literature and in subhasitas. The Kamasutra gives a list of a women who are easily gained by a man. According to that list only, the poets have described the wanton behaviour of ladies in their works. 344 The second adhyaya of this chapter is one of the important adhyaya in the Kamasutra. It tells how to create acquaintance with other's wife. tells how to know the mind of a woman. lady in love is shown by the Kamasutra. is depicted by the poets. The next adhyaya The behaviour of And the same Importance of female messengers is exhibited in the fourth adhyaya. Vatsyayana says that no lover succeeds in his love-affairs without a go-between. Hence most of

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345 the heroes and heroines have taken the help of the dutis to fulfil their desire. Vatsyayana has narrated the duties of a duti in detail. Bhavabhuti, Dandin, Damodaragupta etc. have followed it word by word. In the last two adhyayas, the author has given some social customs of his days, which throw some light on the social condition of that period. He has mentioned the lust of the rulers and behaviour of amorous women of royal harem. He has warned the king to control his mind, because he is constantly watched and observed and imitated by the people. Further the Kamasutra admonishes a nagaraka not to enter royal harem because it is full of danger. These ideas have been seldom depicted in literature. Thus this adhikarana has influenced most of the poets. The dramatists as well as the poets have followed this adhikarana while depicting the duties of a dutl and the love-sick condition of the hero and heroine. Observations about the females are one-sided, as they are made by the males. Fickleness depends upon the mental make up, and not upon the sex of a person. Woman is more tender as she is entrusted with motherhood by nature.

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