The Kama Sutra, written by the ancient Indian sage Vatsyayana, is widely known as a guide to the art of love, encompassing more than just physical intimacy—it is a celebration of connection, pleasure, aesthetics, and emotional expression. One of the intriguing and detailed sections in the Kama Sutra is the description of scratching, a practice known in Sanskrit as “karṇa” or “nakha chhedana”, which refers to the use of the nails in sexual play.

Scratching is more than a mere physical gesture in the Kama Sutra; it is an act laden with emotional, symbolic, and erotic significance. It forms part of the Sringara Rasa—the aesthetic of love and beauty—and is a means to heighten passion, communicate desire, and express dominance or submission during the act of lovemaking.

The Symbolism and Purpose of Scratching

In the sensual philosophies of the Kama Sutra, scratching serves several purposes:

• Erotic Excitation: It stimulates nerve endings and enhances sensory arousal, adding to the pleasure of touch.
• Emotional Expression: Through the pressure and pattern of scratches, lovers communicate emotional intensity—jealousy, longing, or playful dominance.
• Sensual Memorabilia: The marks left by the nails serve as a visual reminder of the encounter, symbolizing a lover’s claim or the memory of passionate union.
• Aesthetic Pleasure: As with other forms of body art or ornamentation, scratches may follow decorative or symbolic patterns, adding visual allure.

The Kama Sutra teaches that physical love is an art. Scratching, like kissing, biting, or moaning, becomes a subtle language between partners—a dialect of touch.

Classification of Scratches

According to Vatsyayana, there are eight types of scratches, each with distinct characteristics. These scratches are not random or violent but intentional and artful. The lover is encouraged to learn and master them to please their partner and engage in mutual pleasure.

Let us explore each type in detail:

1. The Tiger’s Claw (Vyāghra-nakha)

This is one of the most intense forms of scratching, where the nails are used to mark the skin deeply, mimicking the clawing of a tiger. It is symbolic of raw passion and untamed desire.

• Technique: Done with all five fingers, curved and drawn from the shoulder down the back.
• Occasion: Typically used during the height of arousal or climax.
• Effect: Leaves noticeable marks; indicates ownership, power, and emotional intensity.

This form is often employed by lovers who are deeply attached or wish to leave a lasting impression—both physically and emotionally.

The Peacock’s Foot (Mayūra-pada)

This scratch resembles the footprint of a peacock, created by the pattern of the fingers spread wide and pressed down lightly.

• Technique: Pressing the nails gently on the chest or thighs, leaving a patterned, decorative impression.
• Occasion: Used during initial stages of love play or after climax, as a tender mark.
• Effect: Symbolic of beauty, grace, and flirtation.

It is often associated with lovers who are playful and aesthetic in their lovemaking.

The Leaf of a Lotus (Padma-patra)

Inspired by the delicate and symmetrical shape of a lotus leaf, this scratch is more decorative and sensual than aggressive.

• Technique: Drawn in a curving line using two or three fingers, often on the chest, stomach, or thighs.
• Occasion: During gentle lovemaking or post-coital affection.
• Effect: Graceful and elegant, enhances the beauty of the body.

In ancient Indian poetry and art, the lotus is a symbol of purity and sensuality, making this a spiritually charged gesture.

The Jewel Setting (Ratna-kosha)

This is a scratch made in a circular motion, like the setting of a gem into a ring or ornament.

• Technique: Made with the tips of the nails in small, concentric circles, often on the back or breasts.
• Occasion: Used to intensify sensation or draw focus to erogenous zones.
• Effect: Draws attention to beauty, mirrors the idea of worshipping the beloved’s body.

It signifies care, attention to detail, and reverence for the partner.

The Jump of a Hare (Shasha-lekha)

A light and irregular scratching pattern, like the erratic movements of a rabbit.

• Technique: Done quickly and randomly, with short scratches across the thighs, abdomen, or arms.
• Occasion: During spontaneous passion, or when playfulness is at its peak.
• Effect: Evokes excitement, unpredictability, and flirtatiousness.

This form is favored in early stages of love, when passion is fresh and impulsive.

The Line of a Chariot Wheel (Ratha-chakra)

These scratches are long and circular, resembling the wheel of a chariot.

• Technique: Made in sweeping arcs on large areas of the body like the back or stomach.
• Occasion: As a prelude to more intense lovemaking.
• Effect: Symbolizes movement, passion, and destiny.

The chariot is a metaphor for both war and journey, indicating the powerful force of erotic love.

The Straight Line (Suchi-vrtta)

Simple yet intense, this scratch runs in a straight line, often along the spine or thighs.

• Technique: Made with a firm and steady motion using all fingers or a single finger.
• Occasion: During intense focus or when dominance is being asserted.
• Effect: Symbolic of purpose, control, and direct communication.

This is considered more masculine or assertive, though it can be used by any lover.

The Broken Cloud (Vidruta-megha)

An irregular and forceful pattern that mimics the chaotic form of a shattered cloud.

• Technique: Random, aggressive scratches, especially on the chest or shoulders.
• Occasion: During moments of wild ecstasy or rough lovemaking.
• Effect: Evokes uncontrollable passion, loss of inhibition.

This type suggests total surrender to emotion and desire.

Appropriate Times and Places for Scratching

Vatsyayana places emphasis on timing and mutual consent in love play. Not every moment is suited for scratching, and not every part of the body is appropriate. He suggests that lovers should:

• Scratch when the passion is high, and the body is already aroused.
• Choose areas like the shoulders, back, thighs, chest, and stomach, which are less sensitive to pain and more receptive to pressure.
• Avoid areas that might cause harm or humiliation, unless both partners desire it.
• Treat scratching as part of a ritual of love, integrated with kissing, biting, moaning, and caressing.

The Gender Dynamics of Scratching

In the Kama Sutra, scratching is not confined to a single gender. Both men and women are described as performers and recipients of this art.

• Women’s Nails: Vatsyayana advises that women grow their nails slightly long, polish them, and paint them with natural dyes like lac (red lacquer), making them not only tools of pleasure but also symbols of beauty.
• Men’s Scratches: While less frequent, men can also scratch, especially in moments of dominance or when the woman requests it.

The Kama Sutra celebrates equality in pleasure—each partner is expected to learn the other’s desires and master the arts that bring them joy.