Exploring Indian Love Arts: Translations of Ratirahasya and Anaṅgaraṅga
Journal name: Acta Orientalia
Original article title: Das Ratirahasya des Kokkoka und der Anaṅgaraṅga des Kalyāṇamalla. Zwei indische Lehrbücher der Liebeskunst. Aus dem Sanskrit übersetzt und erläutert von Klaus Mylius.
ACTA ORIENTALIA is a journal focused on the study of Oriental languages, history, archaeology, and religions from ancient times to the present. The journal includes articles reviewed by a senior scholar in the relevant field.
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Alexander Fidora
Acta Orientalia:
(Founded in 1922 and published annually)
Full text available for: Das Ratirahasya des Kokkoka und der Anaṅgaraṅga des Kalyāṇamalla. Zwei indische Lehrbücher der Liebeskunst. Aus dem Sanskrit übersetzt und erläutert von Klaus Mylius.
Year: 2010 | Doi: 10.5617/ao.7344
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction:
The book "Das Ratirahasya des Kokkoka und der Anaṅgaraṅga des Kalyāṇamalla," translated and annotated by Klaus Mylius, presents two significant Indian texts on the art of love that follow the Kāmasūtra, showcasing the evolution of erotic literature in ancient India. Mylius's translation, published in 2009, consolidates previous translations dispersed across various academic journals since 1993, making these important works more accessible.
Conclusion:
The meticulous annotations and comprehensive information included, totaling 1144 notes, provide valuable insights for scholars in multiple fields, including Indology, botany, and cultural history. While the efficacy of the numerous "recipes" mentioned in the texts remains questionable, the work stands out for its excellent production quality. Overall, this publication is a substantial contribution to the study of South Asian literature and culture.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are the main texts translated in Klaus Mylius's book?
Klaus Mylius translates the 'Ratirahasya' and 'Anaṅgaraṅga', two important Indian texts on the art of love, continuing the themes presented in the earlier 'Kāmasūtra'. These works explore various aspects of eroticism and are culturally significant.
What additional resources does Klaus Mylius's translation provide?
The translation includes 1144 annotations that offer extensive information, including details about plant names, benefiting not only Indologists but also botanists and cultural historians. A register for plant names enhances accessibility for researchers.
Glossary definitions and references:
Oriental and Historical glossary list for “Exploring Indian Love Arts: Translations of Ratirahasya and Anaṅgaraṅga”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of History, Linguistics, Religion, Philosophy, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism etc.
1) Ratirahasya (Rati-rahasya):
The term 'Ratirahasya' refers to one of the works translated and elucidated by Klaus Mylius. It is an ancient Indian treatise on the art of love that was written sometime in the 1st millennium. This later work continues themes from the earlier Kāmasūtra, providing cultural and historical interest. It is notable for its complex style and numerous formulations which the translator has carefully interpreted and annotated.
2) Kamasutra (Kama-sutra):
The 'Kāmasūtra' is a renowned ancient Indian text on love and sexuality, dating back to approximately the 3rd century. Klaus Mylius had previously translated this work in 1987, which serves as a precursor and contextual reference for his translations of the Ratirahasya and the Anaṅgaraṅga. The Kāmasūtra established the foundation for the study of Indian love literature.
3) Anangaranga (Ananga-ranga):
The 'Anaṅgaraṅga' is another key work on the art of love translated by Klaus Mylius. Unlike the Ratirahasya, this text originates from the early 16th century, during the Mohammedan era of North-west India. It expands on the themes of the Kāmasūtra, reflecting the cultural evolution of Indian erotic literature during that period.
4) Book:
The term 'Book' in this context refers to the compiled translation works by Klaus Mylius, primarily focusing on the Ratirahasya and Anaṅgaraṅga. These books are valuable for their annotations and comprehensive insights into ancient Indian love literature, catering to scholars from various fields including Indology, botany, and cultural history.
5) Sanskrit:
The word 'Sanskrit' is relevant as it denotes the original language in which the texts Ratirahasya and Anaṅgaraṅga were composed. Klaus Mylius' expertise in Sanskrit enabled him to translate these complex works accurately, while also providing annotations to aid understanding of the cultural and historical context.
6) Kokkoka:
The name 'Kokkoka' refers to the author of the Ratirahasya. This ancient Indian scholar created one of the seminal texts on eroticism, which has been translated and elucidated by Klaus Mylius. Understanding Kokkoka's contributions is crucial for comprehending the historical lineage of Indian erotic literature.
7) Gara:
[see source text or glossary: Gara]
8) Dank:
The word 'Dank' appears in the context of expressing gratitude. In the document, thanks are extended to the publisher Harrassowitz for producing the book in excellent quality, and also to the contributors, such as Prof. Dr. Dieter B. Kapp, who helped compile the translations, thereby making them more accessible and informative.