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Parrots of Desire: 3,000 Years of Indian Erotica
The erotic tradition in India is thousands of years old. In The Parrots of Desire, the modern reader, to whom the anthology is dedicated, will find a wealth of Indian erotic writing—beyond the famously unbridled passages of the Kama Sutra and Koka Shastra. There is, for instance, the extract ‘Why does sex exist?’ recreated from the 3,000-year-old Rig Veda; the work of the Tamil Sangam poets, whose contemporary finesse belies their antiquity; Bhakti poets Antal and Mahadeviyakka, who describe women’s fantasies of men (whether human or godly); short stories by Kamala Das that have been out of print for decades; excerpts from the work of contemporary writers like Mridula Garg and Ginu Kamani and much more.
Whether it is the trepidation of the first time or the delirium and delicious rapture of subsequent ones, the anguish of being abandoned or the ennui of steadfast fidelity; passion, jealousy, suspicion, bitterness or even regret— every aspect of the experience of erotic love, timeless and universal, is manifest in these pages. What emerges from the dozens of pieces in this volume can be called the ‘core’ of Indian erotica: the notion that the erotic, like the human imagination itself, is powerful, unquenchable, passionate and essential to the best life we should seek to make for ourselves.
Whether it is the trepidation of the first time or the delirium and delicious rapture of subsequent ones, the anguish of being abandoned or the ennui of steadfast fidelity; passion, jealousy, suspicion, bitterness or even regret— every aspect of the experience of erotic love, timeless and universal, is manifest in these pages. What emerges from the dozens of pieces in this volume can be called the ‘core’ of Indian erotica: the notion that the erotic, like the human imagination itself, is powerful, unquenchable, passionate and essential to the best life we should seek to make for ourselves.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 14, 2018
The book is an anthology of erotic writings as the title suggests. The author has carefully divided the content into several parts beginning with the very basic question- why does sec exist? The answer comes with different literary scholars talking in favor of intimacy. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad expresses that desire drives destiny and Roberto Calasso has written a beautiful piece that reasons that it exists to refresh the world’s gloss. There are several short poems in this category that make reading a delight.
In ‘Art of Seduction’ Narayanan has gathered together pieces from ancient literature such as kamasutra and koka shastra to take one through the art of seduction. This section is particularly tiresome as the descriptions don’t seem to end. But things do improve in the next segment when several authors come together to describe the ennui in marriage. A very beautiful piece of writing called ‘Kitten’ can be found in this segment that is written by Kamala Das.
The further segments talk about rapture and longing. Here we see Tarun Tejpal talking about the bond between a couple.
The truth is godhead is tangible. Smellable. Tasteable. Penetrable. The morning I woke up and felt no urge to slide down her body and inhale her musk I knew I was in trouble.
The book further takes you to the first time. In this section you will find beautiful stories from great authors such as Ginu Kamani and Manjula Padmanabhan. ‘Anguish, Abandonment and Break Up’ talks about the pain of separation. One can also find a page on how to drive away a lover should you tire of him one day. To imagine it being a part of Kama Sutra would have been difficult if I wasn’t reading it myself.
There comes anger and punishment after this and then the question as to who enjoys sex better- a man or a woman?
Subsequent parts being together the love hat exits together between two women. Ismat Chugtai’s ‘Lihaf’ makes an important part of this segment. Then comes nostalgia where Manto talks about the reminisce of a beautiful evening spent in a good company of a woman.
The author subsequently drifts to suspicion and confusion. This segment talks about infidelity and suspicion on your partner. The book ends with Coda. This part talks about the act only being natural and there not being any shame in it.
Needless to say, this book makes for a beautiful anthology. There are quite a few pieces suggesting love between two women but not so for one existing between two men.
As a ardent history lover and I have trained myself to read what is written and also what is not written in a piece of paper. Something that escapes a mention also has a lot to say.
I have not read many Indian writings talking about two men in love with each other. This could be a cause of concern as a reader for me or just maybe, as a society for all of us.
In ‘Art of Seduction’ Narayanan has gathered together pieces from ancient literature such as kamasutra and koka shastra to take one through the art of seduction. This section is particularly tiresome as the descriptions don’t seem to end. But things do improve in the next segment when several authors come together to describe the ennui in marriage. A very beautiful piece of writing called ‘Kitten’ can be found in this segment that is written by Kamala Das.
The further segments talk about rapture and longing. Here we see Tarun Tejpal talking about the bond between a couple.
The truth is godhead is tangible. Smellable. Tasteable. Penetrable. The morning I woke up and felt no urge to slide down her body and inhale her musk I knew I was in trouble.
The book further takes you to the first time. In this section you will find beautiful stories from great authors such as Ginu Kamani and Manjula Padmanabhan. ‘Anguish, Abandonment and Break Up’ talks about the pain of separation. One can also find a page on how to drive away a lover should you tire of him one day. To imagine it being a part of Kama Sutra would have been difficult if I wasn’t reading it myself.
There comes anger and punishment after this and then the question as to who enjoys sex better- a man or a woman?
Subsequent parts being together the love hat exits together between two women. Ismat Chugtai’s ‘Lihaf’ makes an important part of this segment. Then comes nostalgia where Manto talks about the reminisce of a beautiful evening spent in a good company of a woman.
The author subsequently drifts to suspicion and confusion. This segment talks about infidelity and suspicion on your partner. The book ends with Coda. This part talks about the act only being natural and there not being any shame in it.
Needless to say, this book makes for a beautiful anthology. There are quite a few pieces suggesting love between two women but not so for one existing between two men.
As a ardent history lover and I have trained myself to read what is written and also what is not written in a piece of paper. Something that escapes a mention also has a lot to say.
I have not read many Indian writings talking about two men in love with each other. This could be a cause of concern as a reader for me or just maybe, as a society for all of us.
April 2, 2018
Review shall be up on Women's Web shortly
December 14, 2017
This book by Amrita Narayanan is an anthology of erotic writing spanning 3000 years, which the author dedicates to 'modern romantic readers who identify with the joys and problems of the erotic and are passionate about keeping their lives erotic- whether by sex, literature, art or music'.
I was amused to read that Kamasutra had a chapter titled, 'The means of getting rid of a lover'.
I was surprised to read what Andal ,(whose Thiruppavai my mom reads) wrote in agony, ' I shall pluck by their roots, these useless breasts, I shall fling them at his chest' and could address her God as a 'looting thief' and 'plunderer'.
I was angry with myself for being ignorant about Lihaaf (The Quilt), the most famous short story by Ismat Chughtai, an eminent Urdu writer, who was known for her revolutionary approach to feminine sexuality.
Chaptinamas by Urdu poet Ju'rat, prompted me to read more about Urdu poetry. I was fascinated to read about Rekthi, a form of feminist Urdu poetry and its proponents and how it was systematically eliminated from Urdu in the 20th century.
For a modern romantic reader like me, this book opened a new door, allowing newer insights on how erotica and sensuality were depicted in our literature. I feel thankful to the author for this compilation making a reader's life much easier.
I was amused to read that Kamasutra had a chapter titled, 'The means of getting rid of a lover'.
I was surprised to read what Andal ,(whose Thiruppavai my mom reads) wrote in agony, ' I shall pluck by their roots, these useless breasts, I shall fling them at his chest' and could address her God as a 'looting thief' and 'plunderer'.
I was angry with myself for being ignorant about Lihaaf (The Quilt), the most famous short story by Ismat Chughtai, an eminent Urdu writer, who was known for her revolutionary approach to feminine sexuality.
Chaptinamas by Urdu poet Ju'rat, prompted me to read more about Urdu poetry. I was fascinated to read about Rekthi, a form of feminist Urdu poetry and its proponents and how it was systematically eliminated from Urdu in the 20th century.
For a modern romantic reader like me, this book opened a new door, allowing newer insights on how erotica and sensuality were depicted in our literature. I feel thankful to the author for this compilation making a reader's life much easier.
June 8, 2018
The cover is so beautiful. Even the blurb & backcover is precise & powerful.
It is once rightfully said that very rare people can appreciate the true value of art. Because art is priceless & beyond all worthless measures of human minds, truly invaluable.
Similarly, erotic/eroticism had a very vast meaning. Not everyone can associate themselves with it on deep level. People often mistaken it for sex or something which has vulgar meaning. But rather on the other hand, the art of seduction or sensuality with the help of eroticism is infused with literature, art & music.
Not many know this, nor can they truly appreciate it's immense joy.
There're literary romantics who view erotic & perceive the art seduction from poetry pov (point of view) & literature, they feel like living inside a poem & relish the every moment of their lives.
On the other hand, there're religious traditionalists who view the world from a realistic pov & think that its corruptive influence & may tend to corrupt others. They think its unsafe to let erotica roam freely, as its susceptible to cause problems.
So basically, they don't know the depth of love & feelings. There's always a clash between love & lust where lust dominates the modern mindset & colludes with love.
The lack of passion is also another underlying cause of the degradation of feelings...
This is all I've to say.
I guess even the book of Kama Sutra would be undermined by this sceptical book 'The parrots of Desire.' This book is a must for all those who've wrong perception & notion of sex or eroticism. The wrong notion always persists.
Erotica has a vast meaning.
It's not always associated & inculcated with sex. It's infused with literature, art & music. Written in a modern mindset. This book brings out the deepest desires that dwells in a human mind.
The poems & extracts are so riveting that I'm short on words as to how to explain or give meaning to this amazing book.
How our bodies were one before!
Then they grew apart : you the lover,
and I, wretched one, the loved. 'But my child you're alone.
Tell me why you aren't afraid.'
'No doubt the God of love, armed with feathered arrows,
will escort me.'
Where to
girl with bright things?
There's no moon tonight.
Out to my lover, she said.
These are some of the wonderful & mind-blowing extracts or snippets I've encountered in the book. Such a marvellous work indeed!
The language is precise, powerful, marvellously written. Even the extracts has been woven thoughtfully. Narration is excellent. Both the language & narration enhances the readers mindset & enables them to understand the deep knowledge imparted in this book thoughtfully & easily!
It is once rightfully said that very rare people can appreciate the true value of art. Because art is priceless & beyond all worthless measures of human minds, truly invaluable.
Similarly, erotic/eroticism had a very vast meaning. Not everyone can associate themselves with it on deep level. People often mistaken it for sex or something which has vulgar meaning. But rather on the other hand, the art of seduction or sensuality with the help of eroticism is infused with literature, art & music.
Not many know this, nor can they truly appreciate it's immense joy.
There're literary romantics who view erotic & perceive the art seduction from poetry pov (point of view) & literature, they feel like living inside a poem & relish the every moment of their lives.
On the other hand, there're religious traditionalists who view the world from a realistic pov & think that its corruptive influence & may tend to corrupt others. They think its unsafe to let erotica roam freely, as its susceptible to cause problems.
So basically, they don't know the depth of love & feelings. There's always a clash between love & lust where lust dominates the modern mindset & colludes with love.
The lack of passion is also another underlying cause of the degradation of feelings...
This is all I've to say.
I guess even the book of Kama Sutra would be undermined by this sceptical book 'The parrots of Desire.' This book is a must for all those who've wrong perception & notion of sex or eroticism. The wrong notion always persists.
Erotica has a vast meaning.
It's not always associated & inculcated with sex. It's infused with literature, art & music. Written in a modern mindset. This book brings out the deepest desires that dwells in a human mind.
The poems & extracts are so riveting that I'm short on words as to how to explain or give meaning to this amazing book.
How our bodies were one before!
Then they grew apart : you the lover,
and I, wretched one, the loved. 'But my child you're alone.
Tell me why you aren't afraid.'
'No doubt the God of love, armed with feathered arrows,
will escort me.'
Where to
girl with bright things?
There's no moon tonight.
Out to my lover, she said.
These are some of the wonderful & mind-blowing extracts or snippets I've encountered in the book. Such a marvellous work indeed!
The language is precise, powerful, marvellously written. Even the extracts has been woven thoughtfully. Narration is excellent. Both the language & narration enhances the readers mindset & enables them to understand the deep knowledge imparted in this book thoughtfully & easily!
February 26, 2018
Indian erotic literature from ancient and medieval times is a rich source talking about human sexual pleasures and desires.
In spite of rich antiquity of Indian erotic compositions, reading and talking about erotica is still a taboo in Indian society.
“The parrots of desire” is a compendium of stories and poems contributed by notable Indian writers and edited by Amrita Narayanan.
The book contains anthologies divided into twelve sections telling stories from brihadaranyaka Upanishad, koka shastra, Kamasutra, Mahabharata, Gatha saptasati and more. It talks about art of seduction, men’s wish to be women, why bother with sex and much more delighting readers with immense knowledge and perception.
The book also talks about ‘the first time’, ‘anguish, abandonment and break up’, ‘suspicion and confusion’, and ends with the text of ‘The start and end of Sex’.
I loved almost all sections of the book but my favourites were three virgins by Manjula Padmanabhan, on creating confidence in the Girl, the means of getting rid of a lover and ways of slapping in Kama sutra, Ek Pati ki Notes by Mahendra Bhalla, A milkmaid to Krishna by Raskhan.
I took reasonable time to complete this book admiring all stories offering wisdom and knowledge.
Why to read this book
If you wish to discover Indian erotic history and its texts, this book will provide you with great insights to your knowledge.
The compilation done by the author is commendable.
This book is informative and captivating for the young erotica readers.
In spite of rich antiquity of Indian erotic compositions, reading and talking about erotica is still a taboo in Indian society.
“The parrots of desire” is a compendium of stories and poems contributed by notable Indian writers and edited by Amrita Narayanan.
The book contains anthologies divided into twelve sections telling stories from brihadaranyaka Upanishad, koka shastra, Kamasutra, Mahabharata, Gatha saptasati and more. It talks about art of seduction, men’s wish to be women, why bother with sex and much more delighting readers with immense knowledge and perception.
The book also talks about ‘the first time’, ‘anguish, abandonment and break up’, ‘suspicion and confusion’, and ends with the text of ‘The start and end of Sex’.
I loved almost all sections of the book but my favourites were three virgins by Manjula Padmanabhan, on creating confidence in the Girl, the means of getting rid of a lover and ways of slapping in Kama sutra, Ek Pati ki Notes by Mahendra Bhalla, A milkmaid to Krishna by Raskhan.
I took reasonable time to complete this book admiring all stories offering wisdom and knowledge.
Why to read this book
If you wish to discover Indian erotic history and its texts, this book will provide you with great insights to your knowledge.
The compilation done by the author is commendable.
This book is informative and captivating for the young erotica readers.
August 31, 2020
Parrots of Desire is an edited collection of poems, essays and stories on the topic of eroticism in the Indian subcontinent.
The book starts with tremendous promise where, in the introduction, the editor describes, first, the deep argument that exists in the subcontinent between literary romantics, who embrace the erotic for the gloss it adds to life, and religious traditionalists, who caution against the erotic for its disorderly nature and potential to cause chaos. Then, she speaks about this compilation being prepared the way it has been: instead of chronologically listing the evolution of erotica, she has gathered the anthology in a way that offers the most meaning to the modern reader grappling with 21st century erotic life.
After reading the lengthy but informative introduction, I was intrigued at the possibility of picking up trivia, especially about ancient erotic texts, and a modern interpretation of the existing literature. To read erotica is one thing, but to read a modern interpretation of erotica across many years is another.
Sadly, the book does not live up to the hype of the introduction. Translations of poems from Indian languages to English do not read with the same intensity and often feel a drag. Most of the stories that have been translated from ancient Indian texts like the Kamasutra can hardly be called erotic readings (in my opinion). I would put them in the self-help category than erotica if I am to read them 'as is'.
Few and far in between are a few good stories though. Three, to be precise. One is by Sadat Hasan Manto where the theme of erotic nostalgia evoked by the sounds and smells of nature is explored. One is by Ginu Kamani which is almost bizarre yet a wildly redemptive story of feminism. And one is by Manjula Padmanabhan where she turns the tables around the idea of virginity with a dreamlike (think Murakami) narration of a woman 'taking away the virginity' of the men in her life.
The book starts with tremendous promise where, in the introduction, the editor describes, first, the deep argument that exists in the subcontinent between literary romantics, who embrace the erotic for the gloss it adds to life, and religious traditionalists, who caution against the erotic for its disorderly nature and potential to cause chaos. Then, she speaks about this compilation being prepared the way it has been: instead of chronologically listing the evolution of erotica, she has gathered the anthology in a way that offers the most meaning to the modern reader grappling with 21st century erotic life.
After reading the lengthy but informative introduction, I was intrigued at the possibility of picking up trivia, especially about ancient erotic texts, and a modern interpretation of the existing literature. To read erotica is one thing, but to read a modern interpretation of erotica across many years is another.
Sadly, the book does not live up to the hype of the introduction. Translations of poems from Indian languages to English do not read with the same intensity and often feel a drag. Most of the stories that have been translated from ancient Indian texts like the Kamasutra can hardly be called erotic readings (in my opinion). I would put them in the self-help category than erotica if I am to read them 'as is'.
Few and far in between are a few good stories though. Three, to be precise. One is by Sadat Hasan Manto where the theme of erotic nostalgia evoked by the sounds and smells of nature is explored. One is by Ginu Kamani which is almost bizarre yet a wildly redemptive story of feminism. And one is by Manjula Padmanabhan where she turns the tables around the idea of virginity with a dreamlike (think Murakami) narration of a woman 'taking away the virginity' of the men in her life.
October 18, 2017
‘The Parrots of Desire’ is an anthology of poems, short stories & essays from India’s treasure of Erotica. Having excerpts from ancient texts like Kamasutra & Mahabharata to the stories by modern writers such as Kamala Das & Tagore, this anthology, as the subtitle says, covers a vast span of 3000 years of Indian Erotica.
Divided into 12 parts, the anthology begins with a much required Introduction of about 30 pages. The 12 parts of the book deal with the various aspects of Sex-life, from the need of sex, to jealousy & infidelity in love life to men’s desire of being women. There are writings of authors from different times & different regions. The editor must have taken great pains while choosing what is to be included in the anthology and what not.
I simply loved this book. It presents sex as something much higher than a mere physical act. The powerful stories in the anthology makes us passionate & arouses our own feelings. After reading this book, I felt that there is so much that can be explored in this area. The anthology introduces us to so many new writers that this book can serve as a starting point for those who wish to read more.
I would say anyone who gets curious after reading the blurb, should definitely pick it up. I took my own sweet time to complete this book, enjoying every part. However, I would like to state that certain sections of the book have explicit description of love- making scenes. So, one should take that into consideration.
My Rating: ***** (4.5/5)
Divided into 12 parts, the anthology begins with a much required Introduction of about 30 pages. The 12 parts of the book deal with the various aspects of Sex-life, from the need of sex, to jealousy & infidelity in love life to men’s desire of being women. There are writings of authors from different times & different regions. The editor must have taken great pains while choosing what is to be included in the anthology and what not.
I simply loved this book. It presents sex as something much higher than a mere physical act. The powerful stories in the anthology makes us passionate & arouses our own feelings. After reading this book, I felt that there is so much that can be explored in this area. The anthology introduces us to so many new writers that this book can serve as a starting point for those who wish to read more.
I would say anyone who gets curious after reading the blurb, should definitely pick it up. I took my own sweet time to complete this book, enjoying every part. However, I would like to state that certain sections of the book have explicit description of love- making scenes. So, one should take that into consideration.
My Rating: ***** (4.5/5)
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February 9, 2023there's such a thing as too much sex positivity. made me never wanna have s3x ever again <3 :)
July 25, 2025
well written and researched material. impressed
October 6, 2020
A comprehensive collection of Indian erotological texts. It includes not only excerpt of Kama Sutra but also Mahabarata and contemporary biographical novel of Vatsayana composed by Sudhir Kakar. Besides, it is published in a beautiful hardback edition. Completely readable and collectible.
May 1, 2018
Detailed Review here - https://www.anuradhagoyal.com/the-par...
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews