Kāma-shastra aims to instruct the townsman (nāgarika) in the attainment of enjoyment and fulfillment.
Between the 3rd and 1st centuries BC, several authors reproduced different parts of Babhravya's work in various specialist treatises.
Among the authors, those whose names are known are Charayana, Ghotakamukha, Gonardiya, Gonikaputra, Suvarnanabha, and Dattaka.
Yashodhara, in his commentary on the Kama Sutra, attributes the origin of erotic science to Mallanaga, the "prophet of the Asuras", implying that the Kama Sutra originated in prehistoric times.
Vātsyāyana's birth date is not accurately known, but he must have lived earlier than the 7th century since he is referred to by Subandhu in his poem Vāsavadattā.