Module 8: South & Southeast Asia
Artwork Analysis Loving Couple (Mithuna), 13th century, Odisha, India The image above is of a sculpture constructed in the 13th century in Odisha, India (previously named Orissa) by an unknown artist. Symbolism and beauty were major aspects of Indian culture throughout this time period. In Hinduism, deities were portrayed by good things such as beautiful ladies and couples expressing love and sex. The image offered is comparable to many images and sculptures of a loving pair (mithuna). The lady is frequently drawn to the male, despite the fact that both have emphasized broadness and curves. Dharma, an important Hindu teaching, encompasses the pleasures of sexual intercourse and celebrating it, while maintaining boundaries that limit bodily and emotional distress. Kama's teachings include self-control as an important boundary, but otherwise praise sex. But what does mithuna have to do with sex in Hinduism? M...