ABHIJANASHAKUNTALAM

KALIDASA
Kalidasa is celebrated as one of the greatest classical poets and playwrights in Indian history.
He is best known for his works in Sanskrit, which have had a significant impact on Indian
literature and drama. Among his creations, Abhijnanasakuntalam is particularly renowned.
This play, inspired by a story from the Mahabharata, narrates the love story of King
Dushyanta and Shakuntala. It is considered a masterpiece of poetic and dramatic
expression.
Kalidasa’s fame transcends India, as his works have been translated and admired globally.
His poetic style is marked by simplicity, elegance, and a deep connection to nature. His
mastery lies in evoking emotions and sentiments (referred to as Rasa) through vivid
descriptions of characters, settings, and events. The universal themes in his works ensure
their timeless appeal.
In addition to Abhijnanasakuntalam, his other significant contributions include the epics
Raghuvamsam and Kumarasambhavam, and lyrical poems like Meghadutam and
Ritusamhara. These works showcase Kalidasa's ability to weave intricate narratives while
celebrating the beauty of the natural and cultural world.

INTRO
Abhijnanasakuntalam is a famous Sanskrit play by Kalidasa, based on a story from the
Mahabharata about King Dushyanta and Shakuntala. The play tells a love story with themes
of fate, memory, and reconciliation. It begins in Sage Kanva’s hermitage, where King
Dushyanta meets Shakuntala while on a hunt and falls in love with her. They marry in a
Gandharva ceremony, but a curse by Sage Durvasa causes Dushyanta to forget her until he
sees a ring he had given her.
The play is divided into seven acts, moving from the idyllic hermitage to the king’s palace
and finally to divine realms. It uses poetic descriptions of nature and strong emotional
storytelling to create a magical and touching experience for the audience. It explores the
deep bond between the characters while addressing cultural and societal values of ancient
India.

NOTES
2.5.1 Abhijnanasakuntalam as a Tragedy
Kalidasa’s Abhijnanasakuntalam is a beautiful story of love, separation, and reunion, but it
also has elements of tragedy. The play revolves around the love between Shakuntala and
King Duhsanta, which faces several obstacles due to misunderstandings and a curse. The
tragedy lies in how Shakuntala is abandoned because of the curse, which makes Duhsanta
forget her, causing her immense pain and humiliation. She has to endure being rejected and
left alone during a crucial phase of her life. The play also shows the power of fate, where
human emotions and relationships are controlled by divine interventions. Despite all the
pain and loss, the play ends on a positive note, as the lovers are eventually reunited, and
their son unites their destinies. This balance of sorrow and joy makes the play deeply
emotional and meaningful.
2.5.2 Depiction of Women in the Play
In Abhijnanasakuntalam, women are portrayed as strong yet vulnerable individuals who
play central roles in the story. Shakuntala is a perfect example of grace, innocence, and
strength. She grows up in a hermitage, surrounded by nature and simplicity, but her life
changes when she falls in love with King Duhsanta. Her journey from a carefree girl to a
devoted wife and a mother shows the challenges women faced in society. Shakuntala
represents the struggles of women, especially when she is abandoned by the king due to the
curse. Despite her hardships, she remains loyal and hopeful, embodying patience and inner
strength. The play also highlights the traditional roles of women in society, such as being
daughters, wives, and mothers, while showing their emotional depth and resilience.
2.5.3 The Prologue in a Sanskrit Play
In Sanskrit plays like Abhijnanasakuntalam, the prologue serves as an introduction to the
story. It begins with an invocation to the gods, where blessings are sought for the success of
the play. The prologue is often presented by a stage director and an actress, who give the
audience a glimpse of the story and its themes. This helps set the mood and prepares the
viewers for the drama that follows. In Abhijnanasakuntalam, the prologue introduces the
audience to the beauty of nature and the peaceful setting of the hermitage, where the main
story begins. It also establishes the spiritual and poetic tone of the play, inviting the
audience to connect with the deeper themes of love, duty, and fate.
2.5.4 King Duhsanta
King Duhsanta is one of the main characters in the play, and his actions shape much of the
story. He is initially presented as a noble and brave ruler who is deeply in love with
Shakuntala. His love for her appears sincere, and he marries her in the hermitage. However,
Duhsanta’s character is also flawed, as he forgets Shakuntala due to the curse placed on her.
This forgetfulness causes her great suffering and reveals his weaknesses as a man and a
king. Despite his flaws, Duhsanta’s character grows as the play progresses. When he finds
the ring and remembers Shakuntala, he is overcome with regret and tries to reunite with
her. His eventual realization of his mistakes and his devotion to making things right highlight
his ability to change and redeem himself.
2.5.5 The Dramatic Function of the Ring and the Curse
The ring and the curse are two of the most important elements in the story, driving the plot
forward and creating emotional tension. The curse, placed on Shakuntala by Sage Durvasa,
causes King Duhsanta to forget her, leading to their painful separation. This curse
symbolizes the role of fate and how even small actions can have serious consequences. The
ring, on the other hand, serves as a key to resolving the conflict. When the king loses the
ring, it delays the resolution, but when it is found and returned to him, he remembers
Shakuntala and realizes his mistake. These two elements represent memory and fate,
showing how external forces can shape human lives and relationships. Together, they create
a sense of suspense and eventually lead to the emotional climax of the play.
2.5.6 The King’s Painting of Shakuntala
The act of painting plays an important symbolic role in the story. When King Duhsanta
cannot find Shakuntala, he channels his love and longing into painting her image. This act
reflects his deep feelings and the pain of being separated from her. It also shows how art
can serve as a way to preserve memories and express emotions that words cannot. The
painting is not just a depiction of Shakuntala’s physical beauty but also a representation of
the king’s love and regret. This moment in the play highlights the emotional depth of the
characters and serves as a reminder of the power of love, even in times of separation and
loss.
2.5.7 Sage Kanva
Sage Kanva is a father figure to Shakuntala and a symbol of wisdom and compassion in the
play. Although Shakuntala is not his biological daughter, he raises her with love and care,
ensuring that she grows up with strong moral values. Kanva plays a guiding role in
Shakuntala’s life, supporting her when she falls in love with King Duhsanta and preparing
her for her new life as a queen. He represents the ideal parent, who is both nurturing and
wise, always prioritizing Shakuntala’s well-being. Kanva also embodies the values of dharma
(righteousness) and spirituality, reminding the characters and the audience of the
importance of duty and moral conduct. His character adds depth to the play by showing the
role of family and guidance in shaping a person’s destiny.