Ananga Ranga

Ananga Ranga

by Richard Francis Burton


The Ananga Ranga (Stage of Love) or Kamaledhiplava (Boat in the Sea of Love) is an Indian sex manual written by Kalyana malla in the 15th or 16th century. The poet wrote the work in honor of Lad Khan, son of Ahmed Khan Lodi. He was related to the Lodi dynasty, which from 1451 to 1526 ruled from Delhi. Later commentators have said it is aimed specifically at preventing the separation of a husband and wife. This work is often compared to the Kama Sutra, on which it draws. It was translated into English in the year 1885, under the editorship of Richard Francis Burton and consequently burnt by his wife Isabel Burton in the weeks following his death.