In 'Beyond Dharma', acclaimed scholar Wendy Doniger explores a hidden tradition of dissent within ancient Indian thought. She argues that the classical Indian sciences of sex (*kama*) and politics (*artha*), as exemplified in texts like Vatsyayana's *Kamasutra* and Kautilya's *Arthashastra*, have historically offered critiques and counterpoints to *dharma*, the traditionally dominant framework of religion and ethics. Doniger reveals how these seemingly secular disciplines engaged in continuous, often veiled, subversion against established religious norms, tracing a legacy of intellectual resistance throughout Indian history.

Why You Should Read?

• Discover a fresh perspective on ancient Indian texts, challenging the monolithic view of *dharma*.
• Understand the long history of intellectual dissent and critical thinking within Indian traditions.
• Gain insight into the profound interplay between religion, politics, and sexuality in classical Indian thought.
• Explore the contemporary relevance of these historical tensions, particularly regarding science and religion in modern India.