I have read so many articles on the Kamasutra proposing that the Westerners gave it a bad reputation. As I researched, my quest for knowledge whispered of something deeper, something more profound beneath the surface of these books.
I began by carefully examining the structure of the text. The Kamasutra comprising of seven books is more than just sex. Every book presents a guide to relationships, politics and a lot of more. Only one book focused on intimate relations. It was like discovering a whole new world; a treasure cove of sorts where the mark “X” that everyone expects cannot be found easily.
As I dug deeper, I noticed that the books posed very striking similarities to the “Arthashatra” which is an ancient Indian text on political strategy. It looked like two sides of the same coin just worded differently. The Kamasutra revolves around the power and play dynamics in politics in the Indian society. The strategies it outlined for romance mirrored those used in political manoeuvring. It seemed like a guidebook for the boardroom.
One passage described the strategies to win over a love interest by exploiting their vulnerabilities. The language was very similar to the one used in Arthashastra that explain how to identify traitors in an enemy camp. Kamasutra is not just a manual of physical intimacy, but a nuanced exploration of human relationships, social dynamics, and political strategy.
It's unfortunate that the Kamasutra has been made in-famous as a guide to “Sex”. On the contrary, it is a treasure book protecting deeper truths for the society. Part five of the Kamasutra described as Gonikaputra on Family and companions reveals the role various genders play in nonsexual relationship. It covers how to strengthen ties between family and friends and also teaches the value of emotional intelligence and how to attain it.
Part six on Courtesans in Charayana talks about the employment of courtesans, or prostitutes, by men to bolster their confidence in their sex before pursuing a marriage. It also offers guidance on how to get rich, how to mend broken friendships and romantic relationships, and what qualities a dedicated partner should possess. Part seven called the Kuchumara is about Mystical customs on sexual myths, tales, and behaviours. This includes personal grooming, the use of perfumes and oils, and homeopathic remedies for sexual problems.
All in all, Kamasutra as described by my ancestors and people around me seemed to be some book I should definitely steer away from. When I started researching about the book, it turned out to be much more than sex: a book guarding secrets for a successful and a happy life for generations to come.
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