The Kamasutra is often reduced to a symbol of eroticism—associated with condom brands, sensual oils, and chocolates shaped into sexual positions. However, beneath this narrow interpretation lies a deeper and more profound message about sexual autonomy, especially for women.
In India, where conversations about sex remain taboo, the Kamasutra was originally a revolutionary text promoting mutual respect, consent, and the importance of female pleasure. Written in the 3rd century by Indian philosopher Vatsyayana in Sanskrit, the Kamasutra is more than a guide to sexual positions. The word “kama” refers to love, desire, and pleasure, while “sutra” means treatise. The text explores relationships, ethics, and the social norms surrounding intimacy.
Women’s Pleasure at the Core
The Kamasutra emphasizes the importance of mutual satisfaction and positions women as active participants in intimacy. Scholar Wendy Doniger, in her 2016 book Redeeming the Kamasutra, argues that Vatsyayana advocated for women’s pleasure, education, and the freedom to express desire. Far from reinforcing male dominance, the text promotes equality in sexual relationships.
However, the first English translation by British explorer Sir Richard Burton in 1883 distorted the original message. Burton omitted or altered passages highlighting women’s autonomy, reshaping the Kamasutra as a male-centered sex manual. This shifted the perception of women from equal partners to passive recipients of male pleasure.
Breaking Cultural Silence
Despite the Kamasutra’s original feminist undertones, Indian society continues to suppress conversations around female sexuality. Journalist and sex educator Leeza Mangaldas notes that women’s sexual pleasure remains a taboo topic, controlled by patriarchal norms. Deepa Narayan, a social scientist, argues that this suppression begins at home, where girls are often taught to deny their desires and prioritize male needs.
Reclaiming the Kamasutra
The Kamasutra challenges these patriarchal norms by positioning women as equals in sexual relationships. It stresses that pleasure should be a shared experience, not a male conquest. The text advocates for open communication, consent, and mutual enjoyment—concepts still considered progressive in many cultures today.
Wendy Doniger describes the Kamasutra as a feminist text, highlighting its emphasis on women choosing their partners, expressing their desires freely, and engaging in pleasurable relationships. It also links financial independence to sexual autonomy, reinforcing that economic freedom empowers women to make personal choices.
