Sexual Openness in Ancient India: Insights from the Past

Ancient Philosophical Perspectives on Sex

Long before Vatsyayana wrote the Kamasutra, Greek literature had already explored the concept of desire in depth. The Greek philosopher Plato believed that desire is the longing to possess something or someone. In his famous work "Symposium," playwright Aristophanes described a time when humans were once complete beings, self-sufficient and powerful, even challenging the gods.

To curb this, Zeus divided humans into male and female halves, which led to the emergence of desire and attraction, compelling individuals to seek out their "other half." Plato interpreted sex as the pursuit of completeness, where people are drawn toward what they lack in themselves.

However, over time, sex began to be seen as something negative. The Catholic Church, in 325 AD, decreed that the human body was sinful and that seeking physical pleasure was immoral. According to their doctrine, the only legitimate purpose of sex was procreation.

In stark contrast, Vatsyayana, around the same time, was writing the Kamasutra on the banks of the Ganges. He argued that sexual pleasure was a natural and important aspect of life and even provided guidance on how to enhance it.

Sexual Openness in Ancient Indian Architecture

Ancient Indian society had a remarkably open attitude toward sexuality, as evident from various examples in art and architecture.

• The Konark Sun Temple in Odisha features intricately carved erotic sculptures, highlighting the acceptance of sexual themes.
• The Ajanta and Ellora caves, associated with Buddhism, also depict nude female figures in various sensual poses. The Ajanta murals date back to 200 BCE, while the Ellora sculptures were created between the 5th and 10th centuries CE.
• The famous Khajuraho temples in Madhya Pradesh, built between 950-1050 CE by the Chandela rulers, are another testament to this openness. Originally, there were 85 temples, but only 22 remain today. These temples depict various forms of sexual relationships and positions, including group intimacy.
• Surprisingly, even homosexuality finds representation in these carvings. This is particularly notable in the Dilwara Temples, built in the 13th century near Mount Abu, where intimate scenes are depicted in marble sculptures.

Acceptance of Homosexuality in Ancient India

While modern societies have debated LGBTQ+ rights, ancient India had already recognized and accepted diverse sexual orientations.

In the book "Tritiya-Prakriti: People of the Third Sex – Understanding Homosexuality and Transgender Identity Through Hinduism" by Amara Das Wilhelm, historical Sanskrit texts reveal that same-sex relationships and third-gender individuals were acknowledged and integrated into society.

• The Kamasutra refers to lesbian women as "Swarinis," who were known to marry other women.
• Gay men were referred to as "Kleebas," considered effeminate males who were not attracted to women.

Ancient Indian society accepted such relationships without stigma, treating them as a natural part of human diversity.

Extramarital Affairs and Romantic Freedom

Unlike many modern conservative views, extramarital relationships were not necessarily seen as immoral in ancient India.

One of the most famous examples is the love story of Radha and Krishna, which is celebrated in literature, poetry, and temple carvings. This divine romance is a testament to the cultural acceptance of love beyond marriage.

Poets like Surdas and Vidyapati beautifully described Radha’s passion for Krishna in verses that openly celebrated physical intimacy rather than shaming it.

Surdas wrote:
"Their arms entwined, embracing each other like emerald in gold,
Lost in love, as if they had merged into one."

Similarly, Vidyapati depicted Radha’s longing for Krishna, describing her removing her garments in a passionate embrace.

Notably, while Krishna had several wives, his statues are always depicted with Radha, not them, symbolizing the cultural acceptance of romantic love over marital conventions.

Breaking Myths: Women’s Pleasure in the Kamasutra

Ancient India was far ahead of its time in recognizing female pleasure. Many societies historically prioritized male sexual satisfaction, but the Kamasutra shattered this notion.

Vatsyayana wrote that a woman's pleasure is just as important as a man's and that women did not necessarily need men to achieve satisfaction.

He compared male and female sexuality with fire and water:

🔥 "A man’s sexual desires are like fire—quick to ignite and quick to extinguish."
💧 "A woman’s desires are like water—starting from the head and flowing downward, taking longer to awaken but also lasting longer."

This profound observation highlights the need for understanding and patience in sexual relationships, a concept that remains relevant today.

Conclusion: A Society Ahead of Its Time

Ancient India was a progressive society that embraced sexuality, diversity, and romantic freedom in ways that even modern societies struggle with today. From its architectural marvels to literary works, Indian culture once celebrated love and intimacy without shame or guilt.

The Kamasutra, temple carvings, and classical poetry serve as a reminder that sex was never taboo in India—only later societal influences led to its stigmatization.

Would you say that these ancient perspectives still hold relevance today? Let me know your thoughts! 😊