Böcker av Alka Pande

'The Nayika in her different moods animates ancient and medieval art, poetry and drama... Her desire for physical union with the lover is as strong as her anguish due to separation from him. Her passion is both generous and intense; she knows how to give pleasure, and she knows how to take it.' In this lovely book, a celebrated scholar of Indian art, aesthetics and pre-modern sexuality presents a selection of images that show the Nayika-the ideal romantic heroine of classical Indian literature.

'Until recent centuries-when Indian society turned prudish and hypocritical-the sexual sensibilities of society were derived from the kamashastras, which give sexuality pride of place in human experience... And in the kamashastras, it appears that adultery is considered almost a prerequisite for good, uninhibited sex that satisfies both partners.' In this delightfully mischievous book, a celebrated scholar of Indian art, aesthetics and sexuality brings us a selection of images from pre-modern India of men and women engaged in sex that is most probably adulterous: married men and women-and courtesans-having quick or leisurely secret liaisons. With a brilliant introduction providing the context, Alka Pande gives us thrilling visual evidence of secret, subversive love.

Description''The freedom and beauty of the green outdoors-soft beds ofgrass and ferns; the caress of the breeze; the scent of flowers;birdsong and moonlight-inflame desire in the nayak (hero)and the nayika (heroine) in ancient and medieval Indian art andliterature... Whether the nayak and nayika be mortals or gods,love is always erotic, and its most beautiful expression happensin the lap of nature, as the lovers give themselves to each otherwithout inhibition beneath the open sky.''In this exquisite book, one of India''s most respected authorities on art,aesthetics and pre-modern sexuality brings us images that celebrate eroticlove in the outdoors. With a brilliant introduction providing the context, shehas put together glorious visual evidence of the freedom that lovers onceenjoyed in South Asia.

Description'Yoga is the science of ultimate balance-between dharma (duty,or "right living"), artha (economic well-being), kama (eroticdesire) and moksha (enlightenment or liberation)... Sexualsatisfaction is thus essential for a full and healthy experience oflife. The most visible manifestations of yoga are physical poses orasanas and these were the easiest to depict. Hence the profusionin India's pre-modern sculpture and art of people engaged ina variety of sexual acts, the positions inspired directly by yogaasanas.'A leading authority on India's art and erotic traditions brings us images oflovers in yogic or yoga-inspired poses-for mindful pleasure, extendedbliss, or passionate excess-and ranging from the stunningly gymnastic tothe delightfully over-the-top. With a brilliant introduction explaining theconnection between yoga and kama, this book of art is as exquisite as it isunusual.