Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)
by Nidheesh Kannan B. | 2018 | 52,434 words
This page relates ‘Methodology’ of the study on Kamashastra representing the discipline of Kama (i.e., ‘sensual pleasure’). The Kamasutra of Vatsyayana from the 4th century is one of the most authoratitive Sanskrit texts belonging this genre. This study focusses on the vision of life of ancient India reflected in Kamashastra.
5. Methodology
Vātsyāyana extensively cites traditional verses handed over to him through generations and this is the style of Arthaśāstra. As a scientific treatise, Kāmasūtra follows a prescribed methodology while introducing a problem.
The adopted methodology by Vātsyāyana is may broadly classify through five steps (Radhavallabh Tripathi, 2005: 20).
1. Detailed learning of present practices, existing norms or accepted orders.
2. Learning of earlier attempts and practices.
3. Diverse scrutiny of specialists on the problem. (Premise of the argument (Pūrvapakṣa) and views exploring the different aspects of the problem, which also include the arguments that the imaginary opponents might raise).
4. Own (Vātsyāyana’s) view (this is the finally accepted theory (Siddhāntapakṣa) along with own refutations on opponent’s arguments).
5. Concluding remarks, clarifying the instructions or injunctions.
It is a notable thing that Vātsyāyana never tried to impose his own point of view or theories in this work. An analytical view towards the problem can be noted and provides own perspectives, and then handed over to the people for a deliberate decision of the norms.