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.
Chapter 2 - Kamasutra part 1 (Sadharana-adhikarana)—Critical study
1 (of 48)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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CHAPTER
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II
SAD HÄR AN ADHIKARANA
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The Kamasutra of Vātsyāyana commences with saluta-
tions to Dharma, Artha and Kama. The author Vātsyāyana
gives a brief history of erotic science in the first part
of the first chapter, i.e. Sādhāraṇādhikaraṇa.
He says:
1 "In the beginning, the Lord of beings (Prajapati) created
men and women. Then, he wrote the rules for regulating
their existence with regard to Dharma, Artha and Kāma in
a hundred thousand chapters. Vatsyayana adds sanctity
to this science by declaring that the propounder of this
science was the Lord Brahman. Nand】, the follower of
Mahadeva composed one thousand chapters regarding Kama
only. This work of NandI was abbreviated by Svetaketu,
the son of Uddalaka, in five hundred chapters.
abridged once again by Baghravya, a dweller of Pancala
country, in hundred and fifty chapters. Vatsyāyana gives
here the names of his predecessors Cārāyaṇa, Suvarṇanābha,
Ghoṭakamukha, Gonardiya, Goṇikāputra, Dattaka and Kucamāra,
who were renowned as the tops of the trees of Sadharaṇa,
It was
प्रजापतिर्हि प्रजाः सृष्ट्वा तासां स्थिति - निबन्धनं त्रिवर्गस्य
साधनमध्यायानां शतसहस्त्रेणाग्रे प्रोवाच । का. सू. [prajāpatirhi prajāḥ sṛṣṭvā tāsāṃ sthiti - nibandhanaṃ trivargasya
sādhanamadhyāyānāṃ śatasahastreṇāgre provāca | kā. sū. ] 1.1.5.
Kama-sutra, Ed. Gosvāmi Damodara Sastri, Chowkhamba Sanskrit
Series, Benaras, 1929.
