Kamasutra

Kamasutra

Author	Vatsyayana
Original title	कामसूत्र
Translator	Various
Country	India
Language	Sanskrit
Subject	Sexuality, Eroticism, Philosophy
Genre	Treatise
Published	Approximately 2nd century CE
Media type	Manuscript
Pages	Varies

The Kamasutra is an ancient Indian text attributed to Vatsyayana, a Hindu philosopher in the Vedic tradition. Believed to have been composed around the 2nd century CE, it is a seminal work that explores human sexuality, love, and marriage through a series of essays and practical advice. The Kamasutra is often misunderstood in the modern context as merely a manual for sex positions; however, its scope is more extensive, addressing the nature of love, family life, and other aspects of the social fabric.

Content

The Kamasutra is divided into several parts, each of which addresses a different aspect of the relationship between men and women. The most famous section, on sexual positions, is just one part of the book. The complete text includes discussions on the nature of love, the finding of a life partner, a description of the lives of women in the household, and the adjustments that are necessary when two individuals come together in a domestic setting.

Sections of the Kamasutra

• Introduction – General remarks, including a discussion of the aims and priorities of life.
• On Sexual Union – Descriptions of various sexual positions and techniques.
• About a Wife – Guidance on choosing a partner and the conduct of a wife.
• About the Wives of Other People – Advice on the appropriateness and ethics of relations with other men's wives.
• About Courtesans – This section deals with the sociology and economics of relationships with courtesans.
• On the Means of Attracting Others to One's Self – Discusses personal adornment, behavior in society, and other means of arousing interest from prospective partners.

Influence and Legacy

The Kamasutra has had a profound impact on both Eastern and Western cultures, though its interpretation has varied greatly across different times and places. In India, it was largely ignored by the British during the colonial period due to its explicit content but regained popularity in the 20th century as scholars and the public began to appreciate its depth and breadth beyond just the sexual aspects.

In the West, the Kamasutra was introduced in the 19th century through translations that often distorted its original meanings but sparked significant interest in Indian culture and erotic philosophy. Today, it is considered a significant work in the study of sexuality and has influenced various fields, including psychology, sociology, and the arts.

See Also

• History of human sexuality
• Tantra
• Ananga Ranga