The book, which is otherwise popular as a sex guide, imparts wisdom and intellect to lead a life in the best way possible. The Kama refers to emotions, desires, aspirations, passion and sexuality while Moksha signifies liberation, self-realisation and enlightenment. Artha refers to the means of livelihood or the ways one can make wealth to make ends meet and lead a content materialistic life.

Dharma refers to duties, rights, virtuousness, morality, law etc. The text is based on the four fundamental points intrinsic to the Hindu tradition. Surprisingly, only approximately 20 per cent of the text talks about sex and sexual positions. And it also includes subjects that feature the philosophy of love and life at large. Interestingly, the Kama Sutra is not only a manual for sex-related queries or a guide, but it is meant for couples and prospective life partners who wish to lead a happy life as couples as well as individuals. And these are further classified into seven sub-sections.

It has 1250 verses divided into 36 chapters. But contrary to popular belief, the Kama Sutra is a comprehensive guide to the art of living, which includes managing relationships, home, married life and a variety of the subjects beyond physical intimacy. It is famous as the book on human sexual behaviour. Pic credit - Pixabay.Ĭomposed by ancient Indian Vedic philosopher Vatsyayana, the Kama Sutra is believed to be the oldest surviving text on sexuality and eroticism.

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