Erotic Sculptures of Ancient India - A Critical Study (From the Earliest Times to 1200 A.D.)

THIS work is an endeavour to study the formulations of viable concepts of erotic sculptures in an interdisciplinary way and apply some of the Psycho-sexual methods. This is an analysis of erotic figures depicted on the temple walls. The work is divided into eight chapters. Chapter I includes a historical overview of erotic sculptures; scope and significance of erotic element in Indian art. Various hypotheses are also discussed in the Chapter with empirical evidence of erotic depictions. Literary as well as archaeological sources have been stated in Chapter II.

The discussion of Sex symbols, in Chapter III, includes Aniconic, Anthropomorphic and Theriomorphic types of symbols. Chapter IV emphasises erotic element in Indian art from the Pre-historic period to 1200 A.D. The exploration of erotic rock-paintings of Mesolithic period is remarkable. More attention has been paid to the types of sex practices in Chapter V.

Chapter VI entitled 'Psycho-analysis of eroticism', focuses more carefully on psycho sexual behaviour of the people of the period under study. This Chapter has been divided into three divisions, viz. normal eroticism, abnormal eroticism and zoophilia, for the convenience of thorough study. I have also presented a broad outline of the most salient features of the psycho-sexual attitude of the people based on the depictions of erotic figures.

Chapter VII deals with social norms and beliefs, dévadasi cult and their traditional background. Chapter VIII, is a discussion on sex-worship and its religious significance, sex-rituals, fertility rites, esoteric and erotic traditions of Tantra, besides philosophical concept of sex. The last and IX Chapter is conclusion.

**Contents and Sample Pages**