First Online: December 15, 2001
Page Last Updated: August 20, 2024

Introduction to Kamasutra

The Kamashastra  is the ancient Indian treatise governing the relationship of humans and the sexes. Its origins can be traced to very first rules of conduct (along with the Dharmashstra and the Athrashastra) in Hinduism. Numerous saints and sages wrote commentaries on the treatise for the common man, known as the Kamasutra (kaa-ma-soo-tra, meaning Aphorisms on Love), but as Dr. Kamat points out in his Introduction to Erotic arts of India, most of these works have been lost. 

Fortunately one such guide by sage Vatsyayana (a.k.a. Vatasayana) written in the early part of the Christian era (see a note on dating of the Kamasutra)  is available today in its full form and beauty, and is generally referred to as The Kamasutra of Vatsyayana or simply the Kamasutra.

The various editions of Kamasutra have inspired the Indian art, dance, and music for centuries and artists have interpreted the the sensuality in their own skills, imagination, and art forms. In this section we look at art and literature inspired by the Kamasutra.

These interpretations and their marriage to ancient works of literature is by me, and the tongue-in-cheek commentary may be pardoned.

- Vikas Kamat

Kamasutra Sex Positions

• Kamasutra Sex Positions -- A gallery of sexual positions depicted in Indian murals, sculptures, and poetry.
• Kamasutra Positions: The Dog
• Kamasutra: Use of Nails in Lovemaking
• Kamasutra Positions: The Tripod
• Sixty-four Art Forms According to Vatsyayana

• The Comfort Union
• Couple at Foreplay
• Couple Engaged in a Game of Love
• Couple on their First Night
• A Group Sex Scene Depicted in Ancient Sculpture
• Islamic Kamasutra (?)
• "Let Praise be Given to God that He has created Woman"
• The Love Knot
• Love, like liquor, intoxicates!
• Man uses his Phallus to beat the drum!
• Monkey Kamasutra
• The Mutually Reciprocal Position
• Old Fashioned Sex
• "Practice Yoga and Excel at Sex"
• Sex in the Kitchen!
• Woman Hanging on to her Lover

References

• The Kamasutra of Vatsyayana, Translated by Richard Burton, Barnes and Nobles, New York

• The Interpretations of the Kamasutra, Repro Interactive

• Kamat K. L., The Erotic Arts of India (unpublished works)

• Buy on Amazon.com