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 3 - Kamasutra part 2 (Samprayogika)—Critical study
155 (of 155)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Appreciating Gitagovinda, H. R.Agrawala remarks that the description is so picturesque that the poet appears to be 45 transforming Kamasastra into poetry.
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Vidyaranya, the author of Sankara Digvijaya, Vādirāja-
tirtha, the author of Rukminīśavijaya, Nayacandrasūri,
the author of Hammirakavya were ascetics.
But they never
missed to describe erotic situations in their kavyas. Thus
all the poets were compelled to follow the sutras of
Vatsyāyana, to a smaller or greater extent.
In this way,
we can say that there is hardly a poet in Sanskrit litera-
ture who is not influenced by this adhikaraṇa of the
Kamasutra.
45. A short history of Sanskrit Literature, Oriental
Publishers and Booksellers, Delhi, 1963, p.194.
