Parrots of Desire: 3,000 Years of Indian Erotica by Amrita Narayanan [Hardcover]

The Parrots of Desire explores the rich, ancient erotic tradition in Indian literature, presenting a wide variety of works that go beyond the well-known texts like the Kama Sutra. The anthology offers selections from the Rig Veda, Tamil Sangam poetry, Bhakti poets like Antal and Mahadeviyakka, and modern works by writers such as Kamala Das, Mridula Garg, and Ginu Kamani. These pieces delve into the complexities of erotic love, capturing a range of emotions—from the excitement of first encounters to the bitterness of unfaithfulness. The collection highlights the idea that erotic love is a fundamental and powerful aspect of human life, essential to the pursuit of a fulfilling existence.