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A History of Desire in India

Madhavi Menon's book, 'Infinite Variety: A History of Desire in India,' examines the complex nature of desire throughout Indian history, contrasting conservative texts like the Manusmriti with the liberatory Kamasutra. Menon argues that colonial influences, particularly Victorian values, have shaped contemporary perceptions of desire, often dismissing the Kamasutra's rich narratives of homoeroticism. The book highlights the diverse expressions of desire in India, challenging readers to reconsider traditional views on power, sexuality, and desire.

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33 views2 pages

A History of Desire in India

Madhavi Menon's book, 'Infinite Variety: A History of Desire in India,' examines the complex nature of desire throughout Indian history, contrasting conservative texts like the Manusmriti with the liberatory Kamasutra. Menon argues that colonial influences, particularly Victorian values, have shaped contemporary perceptions of desire, often dismissing the Kamasutra's rich narratives of homoeroticism. The book highlights the diverse expressions of desire in India, challenging readers to reconsider traditional views on power, sexuality, and desire.

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© © All Rights Reserved
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Madhavi Menon's book, "Infinite Variety: A History of Desire in India," explores the complex

and multifaceted nature of desire throughout Indian history. Menon's exploration of the
history of desire in India highlights the contrast between conservative texts like the
Manusmriti and the more sexually liberatory Kamasutra. She illustrates how the colonial
state, influenced by Victorian values, dismissed the Kamasutra and its rich narrative of
homoeroticism, thereby shaping contemporary perceptions of desire. This juxtaposition
reveals the complexities and diverse expressions of desire throughout Indian history.

According to Madhavi Menon, in India:

●​ Sacred texts and age-old classics like the Kamasutra and Arthashastra historically
legitimized the concept of male sex workers as a profession.
●​ However, Menon notes that this legitimization is contradicted by the contemporary
law, which does not ban the profession.
●​ Menon examines how the Kamasutra, often viewed merely as a manual for sexual
pleasure, also serves as a philosophical text that discusses power dynamics and
social relations through the lens of desire. In contrast, the Manusmriti presents a
more restrictive view of sexuality and desire, reflecting the conservative norms of its
time .
●​ The book explores the ways in which colonial impacts, especially Victorian ideals,
have influenced modern views on sexuality in India. Menon contends that the colonial
regime dismissed the Kamasutra and its extensive tradition of homoeroticism,
leading to a more restrictive interpretation of desire.
●​ Menon highlights that India's history of desire is a tapestry of diverse narratives that
defy easy classifications rather than being a single, cohesive story. She depicts an
India where desires are "various and boundless" by referencing temples, dargahs,
and literary works.
●​ According to the author, desire is fundamentally complicated and defies easy
classification. She contends that studying desire exposes "not purity but impurity as a
way of life," suggesting that people's experiences of desire are frequently complex
and entwined with social and cultural factors.

However, "Infinite Variety: A History of Desire in India" by Madhavi Menon provides a


thorough examination of the ways in which desire has been perceived and communicated in
Indian culture. Menon challenges readers to reevaluate the stories of power, sexuality, and
desire in India by relating the Kamasutra to other historical writings and cultural customs. In
addition to enhancing our knowledge of Indian history, this work questions accepted ideas
about desire and sexuality.

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