Ananga Ranga
15th or 16th century Indian sex manual
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Ananga Ranga (Hindi: अनंगरंग, lit. 'Stage of Love or Stage of the Bodiless One') or Kamaledhiplava (Hindi: कमलेधिप्लव, lit. 'Boat in the Sea of Love') is an ancient Indian Sanskrit text written by Kalyana malla in the 15th or 16th century.[1][2] The translators of the manuscript stated that its objective[3] is not to encourage wantonness, but simply to prevent the separation of husband and wife.
| Author | Kalyana malla |
|---|---|
| Language | Sanskrit |
| Publication date | 15th or 16th century |
| Publication place | India |
The poet wrote the work for the amusement of Lad Khan, son of Ahmed Khan Lodi. He was related to the Lodi dynasty, which from 1451 to 1526 ruled from Delhi.[4][5] This work is often compared to the Kama Sutra, on which it draws.
Overview
Ananga Ranga was translated and published in English by the Kama Shastra Society in 1885[6][7] under the editorship of Sir Richard Francis Burton. After his death, the manuscript of the translation and notes were burnt by his wife Isabel Burton.[8][9] However, the historical fiction titled Kalyanamalla Charitam (Saga of Kalyanamalla) authored by Vallabharayar, said to incorporate the Ananga Ranga in its entirety including that were previously lost.
