The Kamasutra, an ancient Indian Sanskrit text attributed to Vatsyayana, is one of the most influential works on love, relationships, and sensuality. While it covers various aspects of intimate relationships, it also provides detailed discussions on bodily aesthetics, including the buttocks, their role in attraction, and their significance in various intimate postures.

Introduction: The Importance of the Buttocks in the Kamasutra

The buttocks have historically been regarded as a symbol of sensuality, fertility, and physical beauty across cultures. In the Kamasutra, they are appreciated as one of the key aspects of human anatomy that contribute to both attraction and pleasure. The text provides insights into:

• The ideal shape and form of the buttocks according to ancient beauty standards.
• Their role in enhancing intimacy and pleasure in relationships.
• Recommended postures and techniques that highlight their importance in sensual encounters.

1. The Ideal Shape of Buttocks According to the Kamasutra

The Kamasutra describes physical beauty in great detail, emphasizing balance, proportion, and symmetry. The ideal female form is often likened to natural elements and celestial beings, with special attention given to the curves of the body, including the buttocks.

• Round and well-developed buttocks were considered attractive and desirable, symbolizing vitality and fertility.
• The proportion of the waist-to-hip ratio was an important factor in aesthetics and attraction.
• Comparisons were made to lotus flowers, ripe fruits, and sculpted forms to describe the perfect shape.

2. The Role of the Buttocks in Attraction and Sensuality

According to the Kamasutra:

• The movement and sway of the buttocks were believed to captivate the gaze of admirers and arouse desire.
• Various forms of touch, caress, and massage were recommended to enhance sensual connection between partners.
• Sensual arts, including dancing and movement, were encouraged to highlight the beauty of the hips and buttocks.

3. Postures and Positions That Highlight the Buttocks in the Kamasutra

The Kamasutra categorizes different postures (āsanas) that emphasize various aspects of the body. Several of these positions focus on the buttocks as a source of sensual engagement and pleasure.

A. Rear-Emphasizing Positions

Certain positions in the Kamasutra involve rear-oriented intimacy, which enhances pleasure through deep connection and movement:

1. Vyaghra (Tiger Position) – One partner bends forward while the other approaches from behind, allowing for deep closeness.
2. Uttana Mandira (Raised Temple) – The receiver slightly elevates their hips to enhance the curve of the buttocks, allowing for intense pleasure.
3. Vajra (Thunderbolt Position) – Similar to kneeling postures, this highlights the prominence of the hips and rear, offering deep connectivity.

B. Side and Seated Positions That Accentuate the Buttocks

Some positions allow partners to engage while seated or lying down, focusing on the hips and buttocks:

1. Pashchimottana (Backward Stretch) – The receiver bends forward, accentuating the curve of the lower back and hips.
2. Gomukhasana (Cow-Face Posture) – A seated embrace that allows for full contact, emphasizing the sensuality of the lower body.
3. Upavistha (Sitting Close) – Partners sit in a way that enhances hip movement and connection.

4. Enhancing Sensual Pleasure Through Touch and Massage

The Kamasutra encourages lovers to explore various forms of touch, oil massages, and caresses that bring attention to the curves of the body. The use of aromatic oils and gentle strokes enhances sensitivity and connection.

Recommended techniques include:

• Samvahana (Light Stroking) – Gentle, rhythmic strokes along the hips and buttocks.
• Mardana (Kneading Massage) – Firm, slow kneading motions that enhance relaxation and pleasure.
• Padaghata (Foot Massage) – Using the feet in a delicate manner to caress the lower body.

5. Symbolism of the Buttocks in Ancient Indian Art and Literature

The Kamasutra is deeply connected to Indian art, sculpture, and poetry, where depictions of idealized figures with round, full hips and buttocks are common. Temples such as those in Khajuraho and Konark display elaborate carvings that celebrate human sensuality, including poses that emphasize the beauty of the hips and lower body.

Conclusion: The Eternal Allure of the Buttocks in Sensuality

The Kamasutra’s appreciation of the buttocks as a symbol of beauty, desire, and pleasure remains relevant in modern discussions of sensuality and attraction. By emphasizing balance, movement, and connection, the text provides a timeless guide to enhancing intimacy through an understanding of bodily aesthetics and sensual techniques.