Writer :- The renowned playwright Kalidasa, often hailed as the

“Shakespeare of India,” is the creative mind behind the timeless play

“Abhigyan Shakuntalam.” Born in ancient India, likely in the 4 th or 5th
century CE, Kalidasa is celebrated for his poetic and dramatic genius.
“Abhigyan Shakuntalam,” a captivating love story, exemplifies Kalidasa’s
mastery in weaving together romance, philosophy, and the beauty of
the natural world, leaving an indelible mark on classical Indian
literature.
Abhigyana sakuntalam—summary
Long age , there was a powerful sage named vishwamitra, who lived a
life of strong strictness was drawn in deep meditation.Fearing lord Indra
thought that he may have more powers than the gods , decided to send
most graceful heavenly damsel Menaka to interrupt his meditating.
She succeeded in tempting him and together they had a beautiful
daughter shakuntala.Anger at the loss of his chastity, vishwamitra
turned down both mother and daughter, Menaka can’t take the child
with her heaven , she left newborn infant in the forest .Abandoned
shakuntala grows up by the sage kanva named her shakuntala.
Shakuntala grows up a beautiful lady just like her mother.
.
“Abhigyan Shakuntalam” is a classical Sanskrit play written by the
ancient Indian playwright Kalidasa. It is considered one of the most
important works in Sanskrit literature and is often regarded as a
masterpiece. The play revolves around the love story of King Dushyanta
and Shakuntala.
The plot of "Abhigyan Shakuntalam" Is derived from the Mahabharata
and tells the story of Shakuntala, a beautiful and virtuous maiden who
lives in the forest. One day, King Dushyanta, while on a hunting
expedition, encounters Shakuntala and is captivated by her beauty. The
two fall in love and secretly marry in the hermitage of Sage Kanva.
However, due to a curse cast by the sage Durvasa, Shakuntala forgets
about her marriage when a distracted Dushyanta fails to recognize her.
The drama unfolds as Shakuntala faces the challenges of proving her
identity and the legitimacy of her relationship with the king.
The play explores themes such as love, destiny, and the consequences
of one’s actions. It is renowned for its poetic beauty, intricate
characterization, and philosophical depth. The character of Shakuntala
is celebrated for her purity and resilience, while Dushyanta undergoes a
transformation from a distracted king to a remorseful and repentant
lover.
“Abhigyan Shakuntalam” is not only a love story but also a reflection on
human nature, morality, and the complexities of relationships. It
continues to be studied, performed, and appreciated for its timeless
themes and artistic excellence.
# Act 1 (Invocation & sage narad visit)
• The play open in the prologue with a benediction (brahma)
pronounces with the benediction.
• Then the director ( sutradhar) and his wife nati set all the
preliminaries and led the audience to the drama.
• Then the Drama begins ,king dushyanta appears chasing an
antelope. Then suddenly two hermits come and ask king to spare
the deer as it belongs to the ashrama.
• Kings obeys them and in return they give him blessings.( That he
would father a son who would reign over the whole world).
• Then the hermits request the king to accept the hospitality at the
hermitage of their guru Rishi kanva , who has gone to soma-tirth.
• But his daughter sakuntala is there to take care of the guests at
the ashrama.
• King agrees to visit the hermitage and he leaves back his kingly
adornments with his charioteer and enters the hermitage in
simple attire.
• He finds three beautiful young ladies near the entrance, watering
the plants kings watches them from behind the trees and is
enamoured of the flow less beauty of sakuntala who is teased by
her friends priyamvada and ansuya and also by a be havering
around her face.
• Then sakuntala cries out for help, dushyanta takes up the
opportunity and appears before them .
# Act 2 ( shakuntala love for dushyanta)
• In act 2 , Court jester (madhavya) gives a long speech. This act
begins with this incident.
• King is sitting in his camp in love-sick condition and madhavya
comes there and tells him about the difficulties of hunting.
• Kings orders madhavya to abandon the hunting and in form the
hunting party to not be so active.
• When the king tells madhavya to describe the beauty of sakuntala,
suddenly at the point two hermits come there.
• The hermits ask king to protect them from the sacred rites
performed by royal forces.
• King accepts , but there is message from his mother to perform
some rituals deities he should be there in the capital.
• Dushyanta finds himself in very difficulty situation, then the
resolves it by sending madhavya to the capital to perform the
rituals as his mother considered madhavya also as her son .
• When madhavya leaves for the capital king tell s him to protect
spreading rumours about sakuntala. He also spoke initially about
sakuntala was in jest only.
#Act 3 (curse of sage durvasa)
• In act 3 , the discipline of kanva appreciate the mighty monarch
dushyanta because he helped them .
• King enters the hermitage hoping that again he would see
sakuntala.
• King is deeply falls in love and request love-god to induce some
passion in sakuntala also for him .
• There are fresh footprints of a girl, king follow those footprints
and reaches a bower on the bank of river Malini.
• There he finds sakuntala suffers from a heat-stoke (caused by love
inflaming).
• Both priyamvada and anusuya understand her love-sick , condition
and tell sakuntala to write all her feelings on a love letter.
• Then king comes and confirms his love for sakuntala.
• Then he proposes sakuntala for ‘’gandharva vibha’’ with mother
nature as a witness.
# Act 4 ( The lost ring )
• Sakuntala is gathering flower with her friends, they are extreme by
happy after knowing that sakuntala is married to husband of her
choice.
• After some days king get a news , of unrest in his city therefore he
has to leave for his city.
• As a token he gives her a signet eing and promises sakuntala to
return soon.
• One day , sakuntala is lost in her lover’s thought and fails to
acknowledge the presence of sage Durvasa, who is infamous for
his mercurial anger.
• This infuriates the temperamental sage and he curse sakuntala tha
‘’ because you were lost in thought of one to the exclusion of all
else , thought you good his memory hard , he shall fail to
remember you ‘’
• Sakuntala begs for mercy, then anusuya and priyamvada explain
her situation.
• Sage Durvasa says that if sakuntala having some ornament as a
token of remembrance then the king would recognise her
instantly.
• Sage kanva returns from pilgrimage and comes to know that
sakuntala is married to dushyanta and she is pregnant also .
• The kanva arrange for the visit of sakuntala to the court of king.
• Priyamvada and anusuya decorate sakuntala with ornaments
produced by forest deities.
• The she meets and greets with everyone.
# Act 5 (Recognition of Shakuntala)
• Queen hansavati is practicing her singing touches king’s heart
deeply and he completely forgotten his secret marriage to
sakuntala due to durvasa’s curse.
• Shakuntala along with gautami and two hermits reaches the court
of the king dushyanta.
• Sarangrava conveys the message of Kanva about acceptance of
Shakuntala as one of his legal wife.
• But dushyanta is bewildered at the news, as he doesn’t recognise
Shakuntala.
• Gautami remove the veil from shakuntala’s face, King can see her
immense beauty but it is against the Dharma to accept her as she
is pregnant.
• The she tries to remind him by many ways, at last she tries to
remind him by the ring as token of remembrance, but soon she
realise that she has lost the ring.(gautami remarks that the ring
might have slipped off her finger when she took a dip in sachi
river)
• But king rejected her , then sarangrava becomes very angry and
they all leave the palace .
• Sakuntala is helpless now then priest somvrata offers shelter to
the lady sakuntala , but when the come out a miracle happens. (
sakuntala is scooped away to heaven by an apsara who is none
other than her mother menka )
• The king feels very dejected and worried through he rejected her.
# Act 6 (Rejection & disappointment)
• The chief of police comes with two constable along with a man ,
who has been charged with the theft of royal signet ring studded
with jewels .
• But the man says that he is a fisherman and today when his wife
cut up the belly of the fish. The large signet ring was inside.
• Then the police chief shows him the ring and suddenly king
remember ls everything about sakuntala.
• Then the king sends fisherman back with the rewards.
• Now, king is completely memories and he cancels the spring
festival in the capital.
• Then a matter of civil concern about a healthy merchant having no
their makes king conscious of his childless state and remember
that sakuntala was pregnant when he abandoned her, he becomes
unconscious.
• He returns in his conscious state when madhavya call him out for
help and cries.
• Kings gets up in anger and calling the invisible enemy who has
caught the madhavya , he was not enemy but lord indra’s
charioteer, mitali.
• Dushyanta leaves to fight with demons in celestial region .
# Act 7 (Bharta’s birth & reunion)
• This act first laid in the celestial region and then the hermitage of
marichi.
• The king has defeated the demons in the celestial world and
wants to pay obeisance to the holy sage .
• On the entering the hermitage, king meets a Small boy is playing
with lion’s cub. He is not afraid too.
• There was a amulet tried on his arm by holy sage for his
protection had divine power.
• But somehow dushyanta comes to know that the child belong to
the puru race and the name of his mother is sakuntala.
• Now king comes to know that the child is his own son.
• Kings goes to meet sakuntala with the child and falls at her feet
and asks her forgiveness.
• At last sakuntala forgives him.
• Both of them go together to sage marichi who tells the king about
the curse thereby making him blameless, sakuntala also feets
relieved the king has acted because of something beyond his
control.
• Sage marichi and his consort Aditi ( mother of God) blessed them
and their son sarvadaman.( Bharath after whom India begets her
name ).
 • Then the play comes to an end with Bharat vaky , a prayer to lord
Shiva.
# Themes of abhigyan sakuntalam:-
Abhigyan Shakuntalam is a play written by the ancient Indian
playwright Kalidasa, it explores several themes that are central to the
story and its characters. Some of the key themes of abhigyan
shakuntalam play include:
Love. Duty. Fate. Nature. Society
:-Theme of Love. The theme of love is central to the story of Abhijan
Shakuntalam. The play explores the various aspects of love and its
power to transcend boundaries and overcome obstacles.
•Pure and Selfless: The love between Shakuntala and Dushyanta is
portrayed as pure and selfless. They fall in love at first sight, and their
love is not based on any material gain or societal expectations.
•Power of Love: The power of love is evident in the way that it brings
Shakuntala and Dushyanta together despite the obstacles they face.
Their love is so strong that it even overcomes the curse that makes
Dushyanta forget about Shakuntala.
:- Theme of Duty. The theme of duty is a significant aspect of the
story of Abhijan Shakuntalam. The play explores the tension between
personal desires and the duty that individuals have to their society.
•Duty of a King: Dushyanta is a king, and he has a duty to his
kingdom and its people. He is obligated to govern his kingdom justly
and to protect it from its enemies. He is responsible for the well-
being of his subjects.
•Love vs Duty: Dushyanta’s love for Shakuntala is at odds with his
duty as a king. He is torn between his duty to his kingdom and his
 love for Shakuntala. Dushyanta’s duty to his kingdom requires him to
leave Shakuntala and return to his kingdom. This creates a conflict
between his duty and his personal desires.
:-Theme of Fate.The theme of fate is an important aspect of the
story of Abhijan Shakuntalam. The play explores the idea that the
events in our lives are determined by fate. And that individuals have
little control over their destiny.
• Power of fate: The characters in the play are heavily influenced by
the power of fate. For example, the curse placed on Shakuntala by
a sage causes Dushyanta to forget about her and their son. This
curse is an example of how fate can intervene in the lives of
characters and change the course of their lives.
•Fate and Destiny: The play suggests that the events in the lives of
the characters are predetermined by fate and that their destiny is out
of their control. Dushyanta and Shakuntala’s love for each other is
seen as the result of fate. And their eventual reunion is also seen as
the work of fate.
:-Theme of Nature. The theme of nature is an important aspect of the
story of Abhijan Shakuntalam. The play is set in a forest, and the natural
beauty of the forest is often mentioned. The characters are also
connected to nature in various ways, and the play explores the
relationship between nature and the characters.
•Nature as a source of beauty: The natural beauty of the forest
serves as a backdrop for the play. And the way it is described In the
play can be seen as a symbol of the purity and simplicity of the love
between the characters. The forest is also a place of refuge for
Shakuntala and her friends. And it is a place where they can escape
the pressures of society.
•Nature as a source of inspiration: The forest also serves as a source of
inspiration for the characters. The forest is a place where the characters
can contemplate and reflect on their lives, and it is a place where they
can find peace and tranquility. The sage, who is Shakuntala’s foster
father, also lives in the forest, and he finds inspiration in nature.
:-Theme of Society.The theme of society is an important aspect of the
story of Abhijan Shakuntalam. The play explores the societal norms of
the time, particularly the idea that love between people of different
castes or social classes is frowned upon.
•Societal norms: The play explores the societal norms of the time and
the pressure to conform to them. Society expects individuals to
conform to certain norms and expectations. Shakuntala and
Dushyanta’s love for each other is seen as a challenge to these societal
norms, and their love is frowned upon.
•Love and Society: The love between Shakuntala and Dushyanta is not
accepted by society because they come from different backgrounds.
Their love is seen as a challenge to societal norms and expectations.
.
# character sketch of dushyanta :-
Dushyanta, the protagonist in Kalidasa’s “Abhigyan Shakuntalam,” is a
noble and valiant king whose character is marked by a harmonious
blend of strength and sensitivity. As a ruler, Dushyanta embodies the
virtues of a just and capable leader, known for his prowess on the
battlefield and his commitment to the welfare of his kingdom.
However, Dushyanta’s character undergoes a transformation when he
encounters Shakuntala, a beautiful and virtuous maiden living in the
hermitage. His stoic and authoritative demeanor softens, revealing a
compassionate and romantic side. The king is captivated by Shakuntala’s
charm and purity, and their love story becomes a central theme in the
narrative.
Dushyanta’s journey is characterized by the complexities of love, duty,
and destiny. His momentary lapse of memory, due to a curse, leads to
poignant circumstances with Shakuntala. Despite the trials, Dushyanta
remains a character of moral integrity, ultimately realizing the
significance of his actions and the enduring power of true love.
In summary, Dushyanta is a multifaceted character—brave, just, and
romantic—whose experiences in love and duty contribute to the
richness of Kalidasa’s classic play.
# Character sketch of sakuntala:-Shakuntala, the central character in
Kalidasa’s “Abhigyan Shakuntalam,” is a paradigm of beauty, virtue, and
grace. Born of celestial origin, Shakuntala is the daughter of the sage
Vishwamitra and the apsara Menaka, endowing her with ethereal
qualities. Raised in the secluded hermitage of the sage Kanva, she
embodies innocence and purity.
Shakuntala’s character evolves as she transitions from the tranquil
environment of the hermitage to the royal court of King Dushyanta.
Initially portrayed as demure and reserved, Shakuntala’s encounter with
Dushyanta sparks a transformation. Her beauty and virtue captivate the
king, and their love story becomes the heart of the narrative.
Despite her celestial lineage, Shakuntala is portrayed as a relatable and
humane character. Her predicament, caused by a curse that leads to
Dushyanta forgetting her, adds depth to her persona. The trials and
tribulations she faces in the royal court showcase her resilience and
inner strength. Shakuntala’s emotional journey is marked by the
universal themes of love, longing, and the quest for identity.
As a woman of virtue, Shakuntala embodies traditional Indian ideals of
femininity, showcasing qualities like devotion, modesty, and loyalty. Her
character, set against the backdrop of ancient Indian mythology, serves
as a timeless symbol of love’s enduring power and the strength found in
feminine grace.
In essence, Shakuntala is a character of rare beauty and moral strength,
whose story resonates across cultures and epochs, making her an
enduring figure in the world of classical literatue.
# characters:-
In Kalidasa’s “Abhigyan Shakuntalam,” each character plays a distinct
role, contributing to the overall narrative and themes of the play. Here
are the key character roles:
Shakuntala: The central character of the play, Shakuntala is a symbol of
virtue, purity, and love. Her journey from the hermitage to the royal
court, her love for King Dushyanta, and the challenges she faces due to
a curse form the core of the narrative. Shakuntala represents the
idealized woman in ancient Indian literature, characterized by her grace,
modesty, and unwavering devotion.
King Dushyanta: As the king of Hastinapura, Dushyanta is a valiant and
just ruler. His encounter with Shakuntala in the forest leads to a
passionate love affair, but a curse causes him to forget her. Dushyanta’s
character undergoes a transformation from a powerful and
authoritative king to a repentant lover. His redemption comes through
the recognition of his past actions and the reunion with Shakuntala.
Sage Kanva: Shakuntala’s foster father, Sage Kanva, raises her in the
hermitage. He is a wise and revered figure, symbolizing the spiritual and
moral guidance in Shakuntala’s life. Kanva’s presence reinforces the
contrast between the serene hermitage and the tumultuous events that
unfold in the royal court.
Anasuya and Priyamvada: These are Shakuntala’s friends and
companions in the hermitage. Anasuya and Priyamvada provide support
and companionship to Shakuntala. They are instrumental in helping
Shakuntala express her feelings for Dushyanta and contribute to the
lighter moments in the play.
Durvasa: The powerful sage Durvasa plays a pivotal role by placing a
curse on Shakuntala. His irritable nature and the circumstances leading
to the curse add a touch of divine intervention to the storyline, setting in
motion the challenges faced by Shakuntala.
Bharata: The son of Shakuntala and Dushyanta, Bharata is born in the
hermitage. He later becomes an important historical figure and the
founder of the Bharata dynasty. Bharata’s birth and lineage contribute
to the play’s broader themes of duty, destiny, and the cyclical nature of
time.
, .Each character in “Abhigyan Shakuntalam” serves a specific purpose,
whether as a symbol of virtue, a catalyst for events, or a representation
of moral values. Together, they weave a tapestry that explores the
complexities of love, duty, and the interplay between the divine and
human realms.