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'{{multiple issues|inappropriate tone =June 2010|POV =June 2010|refimprove =March 2010|original research =October 2007|rewrite = June 2010}} '''[[Human sexual behaviour]] in [[India]]''' has been influenced by different attitudes and opinions over time. ==History== {{Unreferenced section|date=November 2010}} [[Image:Khajuraho-Lakshmana Temple erotic detal4.JPG|thumb|right|200px|A [[Sculpture]] depicting a sexual Pose]] The seeming contradictions of Indian attitudes towards sex can be best explained through the context of history. India played a significant role in the history of sex, from writing the first literature that treated [[sexual intercourse]] as a science, to in modern times being the origin of the philosophical focus of [[New Age|new-age]] groups' attitudes on sex. It may be argued that India pioneered the use of [[sexual education]] through art and literature. As in all societies, there was a difference in sexual practices in India between common people and powerful rulers, with people in power often indulging in hedonistic lifestyles that were not representative of common moral attitudes. [[Image:Khajuraho12.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Depictions of [[Apsara]]s from the [[Khajuraho]] temple]] === Ancient times === {{Unreferenced section|date=November 2010}} Indian culture can be considered amongst the most ancient, with the ancient [[Indus Valley civilization]] being contemporary to ancient [[Egypt]] and [[Sumer]], spreading across modern [[India]] and [[Pakistan]] at its peak, 4000 years ago. During this period, not much is known about social attitudes toward sex. One thing that has been observed about sexuality in the Indus Valley civilization is the practice of fertility rituals. Early philosophy and theology related to sexuality may have developed during this time. The first evidence of attitudes towards sex comes from the ancient texts of [[Hinduism]], [[Buddhism]] and [[Jainism]], the first of which are perhaps the oldest surviving literature in the world. These most ancient texts, the [[Rig Veda|Vedas]], reveal moral perspectives on sexuality, marriage and fertility prayers. The epics of ancient India, the [[Ramayana]] and [[Mahabharata]], which may have been first composed as early as [[1400 BCE]], had a huge effect on the culture of [[Asia]], influencing later [[China|Chinese]], [[Japan]]ese, [[Tibet]]an and [[South East Asia]]n culture. These texts support the view that in ancient India, sex was considered a mutual duty between a married couple, where husband and wife pleasured each other equally, but where sex was considered a private affair, at least by followers of the aforementioned Indian religions. It seems that [[polygamy]] was allowed during ancient times. In practice, this seems to have only been practiced by rulers, with common people maintaining a monogamous marriage. It is common in many cultures for a ruling class to practice polygamy as a way of preserving dynastic succession. [[Nudity]] in art, was considered acceptable in southern India, as shown by the paintings at [[Ajanta]] and the sculptures of the time. It is likely that as in most countries with [[tropical]] climates, Indians from some regions did not need to wear clothes, and other than for [[fashion]], there was no practical need to cover the upper half of the body. This is supported by historical evidence, which shows that men in many parts of ancient India mostly dressed only the lower half of their bodies with clothes and upper part of body was covered by gold and precious stones, jewelery.While women used to wear trditional sarees made of silk and expensive clothes as a symbol of their wealth. As Indian civilization further developed over the 1500 years after the births of [[Gautama Buddha|Buddha]] and [[Mahavira]], and the writing of the [[Upanishads]] around [[500 BCE]],It was somewhere between the 1st and 6th centuries that the [[Kama Sutra]], originally known as Vatsyayana Kamasutram ('Vatsyayana's Aphorisms on Love'), was written. This philosophical work on kama shastra, or 'science of love', was intended as both an exploration of human desire, including infidelity, and a technical guide to pleasing a sexual partner within a marriage. This is not the only example of such a work in ancient India, but is the most widely known in modern times. It is probably during this period that the text spread to ancient [[China]], along with [[Buddhist]] scriptures, where Chinese versions were written. It is also during 10th century to 12th century that some of India's most famous ancient works of art were produced, often freely depicting romantic themes and situations. Examples of this include the depiction of [[Apsaras]]es, roughly equivalent to [[nymph]]s or [[siren]]s in [[Europe]]an and [[Arabic]] mythology, on some ancient temples, .The best and most famous example of this can be seen at the [[Khajuraho]]complex in central India built around 9th to 12th century. === Delhi Sultanate and Muslim Rule Era === {{Unreferenced section|date=November 2010}} After the foundation of the Delhi Sultanates and the set up of several Muslim states in the 14th-15th centuries in India, Islamic customs of the complete covering up of women changed the approach that once existed in India. It is not to say that the "Purdah" system became prevalent or was enforced in this period, because there were several Hindu customs which had the same principles - such as the 'ghunghat' of the marwaris of Rajputana. However, it came to be followed more like a staunch rule than a tradition, and of course it must be remembered that this was not an indigenous custom, being in fact imported from the Arab Peninsula (which required covering of women for totally different and non-religious reasons). === Colonial era === {{Unreferenced section|date=November 2010}} At the end of the medieval period in [[India]] and [[Europe]], colonial powers such as the [[Portugal|Portuguese]], [[Kingdom of Great Britain|British]] and [[France|French]] were seeking ways of circumventing the Muslim controlled lands of western Asia, and re-opening ancient [[Ancient Greece|Greek]] and [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] trade routes with the fabled rich lands of India, resulting in the first attempts to sail around Africa, and circumnavigate the globe. Various European powers eventually found ways of reaching India, where they allied with various post-Mughal Indian kings, and later managed to annex India. Although the Portuguese and French had managed to set up some small enclaves in India, such as Goa, where the [[Catholic]] [[inquisition]] forcibly converted some of the population of the small region to Catholicism, it was the arrival of the [[Kingdom of Great Britain|British]], who managed to annex the entire Indian subcontinent through alliances with various monarchs, that had the largest effect on the culture of India and its attitudes to sex. Rule was indirect at first through the [[East India Company]] whose administrators did not necessarily interfere extensively and even took advantage of the tattered remnants of Hindu liberalism in sexual matters, for example through liaisons and by maintaining de facto wives. At the same time there were significant number of [[Orientalism|orientalists]] who saw India as a great civilization, invented the field of [[Indology]], and advocated a more accepting point of view. However the East India Company was progressively brought under the control of the [[Parliament of Great Britain|British Parliament]] and [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom|Crown]] by Acts of Parliament in 1773, 1784, 1786, 1813, 1833 and 1853. The [[Indian Rebellion of 1857]] caused widespread condemnation of the East India Company's alleged shortcomings and the [[Government of India Act 1858]] completely did away with the Company's intermediary role, ushering in the [[British Raj]] era of direct rule. This put India much more at the mercy of Britain's official guardians of morality. [[Victorian_morality#Description|Victorian values]] stigmatized Indian sexual liberalism. The pluralism of [[Hinduism]], and its liberal attitudes were condemned as 'barbaric' and proof of inferiority of the East. The effects of British education, administration, scholarship of Indian history and biased literature all led to the effective 'colonization' of the Indian mind with European values. This led some Indians wanting to conform their religious practices and moral values to [[Victorian morality|Victorian]] ideas of "high" civilization. [[Image:Tamil Book Front Cover 1920s.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A Marriage guide published in [[Madras Presidency]], in 1920s]] A number of movements were set up by prominent citizens, such as the [[Brahmo Samaj]] in [[Bengal]] and the [[Prarthana Samaj]] in [[Bombay Presidency]], to work for the 'reform' of Indian private and public life. Paradoxically while this new consciousness led to the promotion of [[education for women]] and (eventually) a raise in the [[age of consent]] and reluctant acceptance of [[remarriage]] for [[widows]], it also produced a puritanical attitude to sex even within [[marriage]] and the home. The liberality of precolonial India had allowed individuals sexual latitude within the home while imposing strict seclusion from public life. This may have hidden sexual abuses such as intimidating relatives into [[incest]] and [[spousal rape]] from public view, but it also left individuals freer to explore their sexual identities. With the influence of colonial morality, women were comparatively freer to mix with men not related to them, but the rules for what could or could not be done in their presence were far harsher. These new ideas of '[[Temperance (virtue)|temperance]]' and good conduct overlay and reinforced ancient ideas of asceticism and yogic self-containment, the '[[brahmacharya]]' of ancient tradition. Countries such as India became more conservative after being influenced by European ideas. At the same time, translations of the [[Kama Sutra]] and other 'exotic' texts became available in Europe, where they gained notorious status, and ironically may have triggered early foundations of the [[sexual revolution]] in the west. === Modern India === {{Unreferenced section|date=November 2010}} Conservative views of sexuality are now the norm in the modern republic of India, and South Asia in general. It is often argued that this is partly related to the effect of colonial influence, as well as to the puritanical elements of Islam (e.g. the new Islamic fundamentalist Wahabi movement, which has influenced many Muslims in Pakistan and Bangladesh, and also many Muslim organizations within India). However, such views were also prevalent in the precolonial era, especially since the advent of Islam in India which brought purdah as ideal for women. Before the gradual spread of Islam largely through the influence of Sufis, there seems to be evidence of liberal attitudes towards sexuality and nudity in art. However, scholars debate the degree to which Islam, as a mass and varied phenomenon was responsible for this shift. While during the 1960s and 1970s in the west, many people discovered the ancient culture of sexual liberalism in India as a source for western free love movements, and neo-Tantric philosophy, India itself is currently the more prudish culture, embodying Victorian sensibilities that were abandoned decades ago in their country of origin. However, with increased exposure to world culture due to globalization, and the proliferation of progressive ideas due to greater education and wealth, India is beginning to ironically go through a western-style sexual revolution of its own, especially in cosmopolitan cities. == Current issues == {{Unreferenced section|date=November 2010}} {{Main|Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles and Fundamental Duties of India}} Modern issues that affect India, as part of the sexual revolution, have become points of argument between conservative and liberal forces, such as political parties and religious pressure groups. Many sexual issues are used as ways of political parties garnering votes amongst conservative Indians. These issues are also matters of ethical importance in a nation where freedom and equality are guaranteed in the constitution. === Sexuality in popular entertainment === {{Unreferenced section|date=November 2010}} {{Main|Sex in Indian entertainment}} [[Sex in Indian entertainment|The entertainment industry]] is an important part of modern India, and is expressive of Indian society in general. Historically, Indian television and film has lacked the frank depiction of sex; until recently, even [[kissing]] scenes were considered [[taboo]]. On the other hand, rape scenes or scenes showing sexual assault were shown. Currently, some Indian states show soft-core sexual scenes and nudity in films, whilst other areas don't. Mainstream films are still largely catered for the masses of India, however art films and foreign films containing sexuality are watched by middle-class Indians. Because of the same process of glamorization of film entertainment that occurred in [[Hollywood]], Indian cinema, mainly the [[Hindi]] speaking [[Bollywood]] industry, is also beginning to add sexual overtones. === Pornography === {{Main|Pornography in India}} {{Ref improve section|date=November 2010}} Distributing and publishing pornography is illegal in India, although such material is reported to be widely available. Accessing pornography apparently is not illegal. Softcore films have been common since the late 1970s, produced by many directors. Magazine publications like ''[[Debonair (magazine)]]'', fantasy, chastity, [http://royalmag.net/ royal magazine], dafa 302 exist in India. *[[Savita Bhabhi]] [http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_savita-bhabhi-s-creator-comes-clean-reveals-identity_1272906] is a [[manga]]-like erotic cartoon strip about the adventures of a bored and husband-neglected housewife. *A ''Desi Fantasy'' website solicited and gave access to user-written pornographic narratives but as of 2010 seemed to have disappeared into the ether, leaving behind a compendium in a blog hosted outside India. [http://desi-fantasy.blogspot.com/2006/09/stories-collection.html] These narratives are in a mixture of English and romanized Hindi/Urdu. They are notable for situations inside traditional extended families that might be considered incestuous as well as for situations outside traditional families, perhaps documenting the sex lives of Indian [[yuppies]] whose lifestyles seem to resemble their western counterparts'. *The [[Information Technology Act]], Chapter XI Paragraph 67, the [[Government of India]] clearly considers online pornography as a punishable offense. The CEO of the Indian subsidiary of eBay was charged with various criminal offenses for allowing the trading of a CD containing these clips on the website.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://iltb.apargupta.com/?p=57 |title=Avnish Bajaj back in Safe Harbors |publisher=India Law and Tech Blog}}</ref> === Sex industry === {{Ref improve section|date=November 2010}} {{Main|Prostitution in India}} While [[prostitution|trade in sex]] was frowned upon in ancient India, it was tolerated and regulated so as to reduce the damage that it could do. However, stigmatisation in modern times has left the many poor sex workers with problems of exploitation and rampant [[Sexually transmitted infection|infection]], including [[AIDS]], and has allowed a huge people-trafficking industry like that of [[Eastern Europe]] to take hold. Many poor young women are kidnapped from villages—particularly in Nepal—and sold into sexual [[trafficking in human beings|slavery]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1205098.stm Sex workers to combat trafficking, BBC News, 2001]</ref><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6925376.stm HIV fears over trafficked Nepal sex workers, BBC News, 2007]</ref> There have been some recent efforts to regulate the Indian sex industry. === Sexual abuse of children === {{Ref improve section|date=November 2010}} In 2007 the [[Ministry of Women and Child Development (India)|Ministry of Women and Child Development]] did a survey of children and young adults. [http://wcd.nic.in/childabuse.pdf] 53.22% of children reported having faced sexual abuse. 5.69% had been sexually assaulted (oral sex or penetration of vagina or anus). 21.90% of child respondents faced severe forms of sexual abuse including assault, exposure or being photographed in the nude. 50.76% reported other forms of sexual abuse including sexual advances in travel or marriage situations, exhibitionism and being forced to view pornographic material. 50% of abusers were known to the children or in a position of trust and responsibility. Most children had not reported the matter. The authors concluded: <blockquote> The subject of child sexual abuse is still a taboo in India. There is a conspiracy of silence around the subject and a very large percentage of people feel that this is a largely western problem and that child sexual abuse does not happen in India. Part of the reason of course lies in a traditional conservative family and community structure that does not talk about sex and sexuality at all. Parents do not speak to children about sexuality as well as physical and emotional changes that take place during their growing years. As a result of this, all forms of sexual abuse that a child faces do not get reported to anyone. The girl, whose mother has not spoken to her even about a basic issue like menstruation, is unable to tell her mother about the uncle or neighbour who has made sexual advances towards her. This silence encourages the abuser so that he is emboldened to continue the abuse and to press his advantage to subject the child to more severe forms of sexual abuse. Very often children do not even realize that they are being abused. In a study on Women's Experiences of Incest and Childhood Sexual Abuse conducted by RAHI, some of the respondents have stated that till the questionnaire was administered to them they did not realize that they had been abused as children. They had buried the incident as a painful and shameful one not to be ever told to anyone. Some deep seated fear has always moved Indian families to keep their girls and their 'virginity' safe and many kinds of social and cultural practices have been built around ensuring this. This shows that there is knowledge of the fact that a girl child is unsafe though nobody talks about it. However this fear is only around girls and the safety net is generally not extended to boys. There is evidence from this as well as other studies that boys are equally at risk. </blockquote> In recent years, movies based in India have addressed the issue of sexual abuse. The 2001 film ''[[Monsoon Wedding]]'' written by [[Sabrina Dhawan]] and directed by [[Mira Nair]] had a subplot with a longtime abuser finally confronted.<ref>[http://www.sawf.org/newedit/edit04292002/index.asp]</ref><ref>[http://www.boloji.com/wfs/wfs192.htm]</ref> And in the Oscar-winning 2008 film ''[[Slumdog Millionaire]]'', part of the plot involves the protagonist's attempt to rescue his childhood friend and love interest from a gangster who has captured her and intends to sell her virginity. It should be noted, however, that both of these films were produced outside of India. == See also == * [[History of human sexuality]] * [[Homosexuality in India]] * [[Homosexuality and Hinduism]] * [[Homosexuality and Sikhism]] * [[Kamashastra]] * [[Non-westernized concepts of male sexuality]] == Further reading == *[[Alain Daniélou]]. ''The Complete Kama Sutra: The First Unabridged Modern Translation of the Classic Indian Text''. Inner Traditions,1993 ISBN 0-89281-525-6 *''[[The Continent of Circe]]'' by [[Nirad C. Chaudhuri]] &ndash; this has a chapter devoted to the topic. == References == {{Reflist}} == External links == * * [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/2512559.stm BBC Article on AIDS Awareness in India] * [http://www.bigeye.com/sexeducation/ancientindia.html History of Sex: Ancient India] * [http://www.thebacchanalian.com/2009/09/female-ejaculation-amrita-the-nectar-of-the-goddess/ History of Sex in India] - Amrita, the Nectar of the Goddess * [http://www.iasstdaids.org/ IASSTD & AIDS] - Indian Association for the Study of Sexually Transmitted Diseases & AIDS * [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbvkJHb4www 2010 Sex Survey Results by IndiaToday] * [http://www.steami.net/lifestyle/worldwide-sexual-survey-results/ India In World Sex Survey] - Frequency of sex in India & other data * [http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/aj2000k-452050-indian-sex-life/ Indian Sex Life Presentation] * [http://intersections.anu.edu.au/issue23/banerji1.htm '''The Pink Panties Campaign: The Indian Women's Sexual Revolution''']. Intersections: ''Gender and Sexuality in Asia and the Pacific'' Issue 23, January 2010 {{Life in India}} {{DEFAULTSORT:History Of Sex In India}} [[Category:Demographic history of India|Sex]] [[Category:History of human sexuality|India]] [[Category:Sexuality in India|Sex]]'