Indian Kama Sutra, a Sanskrit literature was written by a North-Indian Scholar Vatsayana Mallanaga in the third century. The original book by Vatsayana includes 1,250 verses, which are divided and sub-divided into a number of analogous chapters and paragraphs. In Indian mythology, Kama is the god of love. Additionally, Kama also means desire/sex and sutra means a director, so Kama Sutra stands for Aphorism on Love.
History of other similar works
The ratirahasya, the panchasakya, the smara pradipa, the ratimanjari, the rasmanjari, and the anunga runga are some of the other popular sex works. This work was translated in English by Bhagvanlal Indraji, Foster Fitzgerald Arbuthnot and Shivaram Pashuram Bhide. It was published by Burton and is the first systematic study book of human sexual performance. It deals with the sex sociology, in India 18 centuries ago.
Ideals of Kama Sutra
Kama Sutra is an integral section of ancient original Indian religious text Kama Shastra that means the discipline of Kama. Thus the book attributes to religious belief and ritual of Hindu system. According to this book, a man's life has three major goals that are:
- Dharma is the accomplishment of responsibilities
- Artha is amassing material possessions and power
- The Kama refers to gaining pleasure
The basic goal governs the various phases of human life that is childhood, youth, middle age and old age. Mallanaga Vatsyayana tutors that a rational and virtuous man must separate his lifetime shrewdly so that he can perform religious conviction, wealth, and bodily pleasures.
Kama Sutra and modern society
Some ideas and concepts are related to Indian culture, but it also comprises of an optimum message to demonstrate a loving relationship between male and female through sex. The sexual positions, kissing, and caressing is the various forms of lovemaking. It enhances the physical bond between couples and offers more vibrant aspect to their sexual relationships.
The book is universally regarded as an encyclopedia, depicting sexual positions. Therefore it will not get outdated as long as sexual cravings remain. It is referred to as a guide book by people of different age group.
About Kama Sutra
According to this manuscript, male and female need to have proper knowledge regarding physical, mental, and emotional connections so that they can live a happy married life.
The themes that were scrutinized incorporated the social concepts prevailing in society. The subject matter included chapters about a wife, choosing a wife, wives of other males, sexual unification, attracting others, and courtesans.
Detailed advice was given on the above topics and it also talks as to what men should do to win the heart of their lady love. The different behavior of females and their rejections has also been described in detail. Charts, where different types of men and women are categorized along with compatibility to their partner's body, are displayed.
There are different methods of passionately kissing, embrace, love biting, scratching, sexual intercourse, and oral sex are also elaborated. In addition, directions regarding extramarital relationships are included in the script. Further, it also comprises other men's wives. Several pages were dedicated to extortion and seduction methods that were performed by courtesans.