India is an ancient culture replete with mythological folklore and its depiction in sculptural art on the walls of temples down South. Images of love-making including the figures of Kama, the god of love and Siva and Parvati, the eternal couple dominate the iconography and decorative patterns on the walls of Orissan temples. Drawing material from several ancient epics and scriptures, Donaldson goes into the lives and loves of Kama in detail, explaining his origin, his amatory dalliances and above all his frolics as the god with arrows. The life of Siva after he married Parvati is also described. Especially entertaining are the anecdotes of Siva having to give up his garments to Parvati after having lost to her in dice and his teasing Parvati about her dark complexion. The Orientalist will savour the passages detailing Tantric rituals and practices. The last Chapter is devoted to a graphic account of the imagery of these erotic proclivities in Orissan sculpture. The plates and photographs given at the back of the book are particularly delightful. The succulent and erudite style coursing throughout the book makes it intensively worthy of perusal.

Table of Contents:
• Introduction 1. Life and Activity of Kama in the Myths i. Birth of Kama ii. Kama vs Tapas iii.Kama Smites Siva iv. Kama Burnt to Ashes v. Seduction of Siva by Parvati vi. Marriage of Siva and Kama’s Resuscitation vii. Conjugal Love and the Birth of Karttikeya viii. Kama/Siva/Agni/Visnu (Krsna) Identity & Opposition 2. Effects of Kama in the Myths i. Woman Kama’s Most Effective Weapon ii. Asceticism and Chastity iii. Asceticism and the Householder iv. Pine Forest Bhiksatana, Pasupatas and Kapalikas v. Amorous Activities of Apsaras vi. Lust and the Nature of Woman vii. Apsara/Parvati, Lust and Demons 3. Iconography of Kama and His Retinue i. Kama as Beauty Personified ii. Rati, Priti and Apsaras Feminine Beauty Personified iii. Moon, Spring and Pleasure Gardens 4. The Myths in Orissan Sculpture i. Kama, Bhiksatana and Erotic Rituals ii. Pasupatas and Kapalikas Lakulisa and Camunda iii. Guru, Divine Kingship and the Pursuit of Love iv. Kaulacaras, Devadasis and Later Erotic Imagery v. Alasa Kanyas, Apsaras, Yoginis and Dakinis vi. Myths of Siva and Parvati in Orissan Sculpture vii. Gopinatha and Jayadeva List of Plates