|
Part 1 |
On the text of the `Aphorisms on Love', by Vatsyayana, only two commentaries have been found.
One called `Jayamangla' or `Sutrabashya', and the other `Sutra vritti'. The date of the `Jayamangla'
is fixed between the tenth and thirteenth century A.D., because while treating of the sixty-four arts
an example is taken from the `Kavyaprakasha' which was written about the tenth century A.D.
Again, the copy of the commentary procured was evidently a transcript of a manuscript which once
had a place in the library of a Chaulukyan king named Vishaladeva, a fact elicited from the
following sentence at the end of it.
`Here ends the part relating to the art of love in the commentary on the "Vatsyayana Kama Sutra", a
copy from the library of the king of kings, Vishaladeva, who was a powerful hero, as it were a
second Arjuna, and head jewel of the Chaulukya family.'
Now it is well known that this king ruled in Guzerat from 1244 to 1262 A.D., and founded a city
called Visalnagur. The date, therefore, of the commentary is taken to be not earlier than the tenth
and not later than the thirteenth century. The author of it is supposed to be one Yashodhara, the
name given him by his preceptor being Indrapada. He seems to have written it during the time of
affliction caused by his separation from a clever and shrewd woman, at least that is what lie himself
says at the end of each chapter. It is presumed that he called his work after the name of his absent
mistress, or the word may have some connection with the meaning of her name.
|
 |
