India 50 Years of Independence: 1947-97 Status, Growth & Devlopment (Sexuality Meaning, Myth And Practice)

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INDIA-before the advent of Muslims and coming of British Colonials-had an outlook on sexuality different from what Islam preached and Christianity practised. The book first of its kind in Indian anthropology aims to clear the cloud of mystique enveloping the minds of the Indian youth on the subject of sexuality. It is intended for those who desire to understand themselves. The basic biological differences between male and female have been elaborated scientifically and systematically. The morpho physiological differences have been highlighted since these are intrinsic in comprehension of sexuality. The journey from oestrus to menstruation has been viewed as an evolutionary strategy of nature. Sexual behaviour of human beings has been typified. The mystique of sex and religion has been unravelled by elaborating upon the basic religious concepts regarding creation and procreation. The inherent meaning behind phallic worship and the concept of urdvaretas has been explained. Siva, Vamdeva, Kamdeva have been brought out from the clouds of mystery and presented before the readers. The duality and contrast existing in our culture is also explained. The case studies from the tribal world have been depicted to elicit the variety and diversity of human sexuality.

Dr. Shibani Roy (Ph.D., University of Delhi) is engaged in research since 1969. She has written eleven books concerning various aspects of anthropology. She has conducted field work in northern, north western, western and north-eastern India among the tribes, castes and religious minorities. Her books Status of Muslim Women in Northern India, Koli Culture, Muslims: Bio-cultural Perspective, Dawoodi Bohras: anthropological perspective, Dhodia Identity, Nicotine Water to Heroin, In Search of Roots, and Tribal Customary Laws of North East India have been well received by the reviewers. Her 50 research papers published in Indian and Foreign journals encompass the holistic approach in Anthropology. She is currently holding the post of Superintending Anthropologist in Government of India. Dr. Syed Hasan Mujtaba Rizvi (Ph. D., University of Delhi) is a research anthropologist and has carried out empirical studies in the field of bio-cultural anthropology among the tribes, and Muslims of northern, western, north-western and north-eastern India. He, along with Dr. Shibani Roy, has written eleven books based upon original research. One of the Professor Emeritus (Anthropology) while reviewing his books stated that "... this indicates his understanding of the subject of anthropology in totality and in modern anthropological world, works of such nature are always encouraged."

India is a land of contrasts. On the one hand the religious orientation appears to be overt in its expression regarding sex and sexuality. The symbolism of Siva and Sakti cults along with various temple arts and existing Sanskrit literature are evidences of certain degree of transparency maintained regarding sex and sexuality. On the other hand in the mundane affairs of the society, sex and sexuality is covert and strict codes govern the people. The third axis to such contrasts is provided by information explosion' as a consequence of advancement in information technology. The young and old are daily exposed to those programmes which are created by those who have scant respect for scientific objectivity in dealing with topics on sex and sexuality. In addition to this the government controlled media churn out multitude of advertisements to propagate small family norms, birth control and safeguard against AIDS. The populace without being fully educated in their own religious and social background are confronted with the 'cultural invasion' in the garb of entertainment channels beamed through satellites rotating around our planet. The Indian schools, colleges and universities do not offer courses in human sexuality. The cursory references on sexual reproduction, sex-determination, gender and sexual dimorphism may be found in the chapter of biology within the school and college textbooks. Some of such texts treat the biological aspects of sexuality with so many foreign terms that students seem too intimidated to learn the subject effectively. Some texts have preaching tones and a cultural bias in favour of gender roles. Some texts are too brief, and omitted important information. The Indian youth is torn between cross currents of reality, fantasy and dream. A strict moral code of conduct at home and the selection of a life partner are in contrast to the visuals he is exposed to in every day activity. The relative freedom at educational institutions and work places are circumstantial and short lived. The lurking fear of sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS in the tender minds make the task of maintaining a balance between precept and practice-a challenging task for the present day youth. The options for the youth are limited in treading the path leading to understanding of sexuality. The basic knowledge about our cultural and religious heritage and understanding of human biology would help the youth to unravel the mystique of sexuality. The changing scenario of Indian canvas set the observers and authorities to speculate on man and society. Some authorities claimed that Indian value system has changed or changing. Yet, the institutions like marriage and family still remain the main bul work of Indian society. The changes which one witnesses apparently are mainly in the fringes-mode of dressing, popularisation of formal education and women's partici pation in public life. Sex and sexuality are still considered topics which are tabooed. Topics such as male libido and female orgasm did not penetrate the bedroom of an average Indian. Precisely, a vernacular equivalent for orgasm is hard to find, how can the women be expected to be knowledgeable about it. Besides, the duality of the Indian situation is unique. On one hand traditions of phallic worship practised through Shaivism and Shakti cult adhered to zealously by the young and old. The Khajuraho temple structures are a national heritage which wields a lot of importance on the tourist map. Kamasutra written in Sanskrit was translated into various languages. Geet Govinda of Jaidev dealing with the celestial love of Radha and Krishna still stand out as the greatest love-poem.no tr These have inspired many schools of art forms in various centuries and decades. Yet, the etiquette of modesty demanded a girl to cover her torso and legs. Though six yards of sari has been gradually replaced by salwar-kameez for practical reasons. Yet, the two and a half metres of dupatta worn along with salwar-kameez is becoming more and more elaborate. Why? Is it because it can cover the female body adequately when draped properly? In spite of Jazz music, Disco culture and Denim jeans, "convent educated virgin brides" are still in demand in the marriage markets. The policy of "protective discrimination" is not only limited to Scheduled Tribes, Castes and Backward Classes but extends to womenfolk as well. The parents' protective attitude towards the girl child mostly negatively affects the development and personality of the girl. When these adolescents and post adolescents are married after a lot of fan- fare, their nuptial night and its culmination is either on a bed of roses or thorns becomes redundant against the backdrop of elaborate rituals and bringing together of the two families. Since most of the Indian marriages are based upon compromises, compatibility, love and intimacy are subject to fatalistic attitude of the man and his wife. The subject of sexuality is neither approached clinically nor as a natural phenomenon. It is always been camouflaged behind stigma, taboo and mystique. The main aim of this book is to clear the cloud of mystique enveloping the minds of the Indian people on the subject of sexuality. It is intended for a person who wants to understand himself. Biology has been kept in the forefront of this book. The basic biological differences of male and female have been elaborated upon along with the fertilization process. Thus this chapter clarifies the morphological differences between the sexes.

**Contents and Sample Pages**