Kama Sutra - The Ancient Indian Handbook of Love Making

The process of translating the works of Vatsyayana into English began during the translation of the "Anunga Runga," which frequently referenced a sage named Vatsya. Curious about his identity, it was revealed that Vatsya authored a significant work on love in Sanskrit literature, considered essential for any Sanskrit library. However, obtaining a complete version of this work proved challenging. A defective manuscript was found in Bombay, prompting the scholars to seek additional copies from libraries in Benares, Calcutta, and Jeypoor. After acquiring these copies, they were compared, and with the assistance of a commentary titled "Jayamangla," a revised manuscript was produced, from which the English translation was made. The chief pundit certified the manuscript as corrected after examining four different copies, noting that while some portions were challenging to correct due to inconsistencies among the copies, he relied on the majority agreement for accuracy. Vatsyayana's "Aphorisms on Love" comprises approximately 1,250 verses, organized into seven parts, thirty-six chapters, and sixty-four paragraphs. Little is known about the author, who is believed to be named Mallinaga or Mrillana, with Vatsyayana as his family name. In his work, he states that it was composed for the benefit of the world while he was a religious student in Benares, emphasizing the importance of balancing Dharma (virtue), Artha (wealth), and Kama (pleasure) without succumbing to passions. He asserts that those who adhere to these principles will succeed in their endeavors.