Growing up in the 21st century, most of us have been brought up to perceive Hinduism as a religion that is highly orthodox in nature with its deeply rooted patriarchy, stringent (and often meaningless) rituals and a particularly narrow-minded approach regarding matters involving sex.
Ironically, it is also the creator of the greatest sex manual of all time, the Kamasutra as you might’ve guessed. In fact, contrary to our common perception, India as a country, particularly Hinduism as a religion, was way more progressive than what it is perceived to be today.
Also Read: ResearchED: Does The Kamasutra Deal With Other Aspects Of A Healthy Life Beyond Sex And Seduction?
Most of us might see Kamasutra as an epitome of eroticism. Many might also see it as an exception in the otherwise conservative Hindu society.
If you are amongst them then you are definitely wrong and will be thrilled to know that the eroticism in early India is not limited to the sex positions of the Kamasutra or the sculptures of the Khajuraho, it’s way beyond that. It creates erotic imagery and even educates on sex through varied religious texts and even paintings!
One such work that discusses sex in its deep details is the Koka Shastra. Unlike the Kamasutra, it might not be much heard of though it’s quite similar with a few major differences that set it apart. Let us discover them in the video down below!
Despite its progressive approach towards sex and the importance given to female pleasure, the Kokashastra doesn’t seize to propagate patriarchy. In fact, its patriarchy lies in its very description of feminine beauty.
This is evident in its classification of women into categories and attributing various traits and stereotypes to them accordingly as if they were manufactured objects!
This classification is reflected till date in our society’s present-day beauty standards. What do you think are the other loopholes in the otherwise progressive sex manual? Let us know your views in the comments down below!
Disclaimer: THIS STORY IS FACT CHECKED.
Sources: Times Of India, GOHD BOOKS, Indian Astrology
Image Source: Google Images
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This post is tagged under Koka Shastra, Kama Shastra, Kamasutra, Ratirahasya Sanskrit, Hindu, Hinduism, culture, love, lust, sex, eroticism, sex positions, feminism, medieval India, Pandit Kokkota, Venudutta, Seema Anand, female pleasure, Padmini, Chitrini, Shankini, Hastini, aphrodisiac
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