Beyond Matriarchy: (Re)constructing the Kamasutra Culture to Empower Women

Introduction: Matriarchy is a society centred on women, characterised by caregiving, nurturing, a need-based orientation, conflict resolution, nonviolent negotiation, and the development of peace-building skills (Abendroth, 2018). In India, the Khasi tribe of the North-eastern region maintains a matriarchal social framework across economic, social, cultural, and religious spheres (Gupta, 2013). Nonetheless, instances of violence against women are also reported within such societies (ibid). Despite their tradition of women exercising authority, the question persists: why are patriarchal norms still predominantly accepted, and why do women continue to pursue sexual liberation? Over two millennia ago, an Indian text articulated the notion of gender equality, and Vatsyayana, the author of the Kamasutra, expressed that women have equal rights regarding pleasure (Anand, 2020). The term 'Kama' signifies pleasure, encompassing not only sexual sensations but also broader experiences such as music, art, culinary delights, feminine beauty, sports, financial prosperity, and the pursuit of an ideal life. 'Sutra' denotes a treatise (Doniger, 2002).

Aim: To investigate the feminist principles of the Kamasutra to empower women.

Methods: This research will demonstrate, using a Feminist Hermeneutics approach, how Kamasutra culture addresses sexual violence and how the Kamasutra's teachings could be utilised by women to attain the liberation and safety they desire.

Conclusion: It could considerably enhance the understanding of the nature and sexuality in the Kamasutra within a theoretical framework.