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Shakuntala by Kalidasa

“Shakuntalá” by Kalidasa is a captivating masterpiece of classical literature. Immerse yourself in the tale of eternal love and the challenges of destiny in this ancient literary treasure.

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Information Shakuntala

  • Author: Kalidasa.
  • Publication Date: 4th – 5th century AD.
  • Main Characters:
    • Shakuntalá: A beautiful and virtuous young woman, the daughter of the wise Vishwamitra. She plays a central role in the story.
    • Dushyanta: The king who falls in love with Shakuntalá.
    • Kanva: The adoptive father of Shakuntalá, a sage and hermit.
    • Bharata: The son of Shakuntalá and Dushyanta, who later becomes the emperor.
  • Brief Summary: “Shakuntalá” is a young woman raised in an ashram who falls in love with King Dushyanta. After a secret marriage, Shakuntalá is separated from her husband due to a curse. However, fate intertwines when Dushyanta finds Shakuntalá again, but she doesn’t recognize him due to another curse. Eventually, they reconcile, and their son Bharata becomes a great ruler.
  • Thematic Analysis: “Shakuntalá” explores themes such as love, destiny, loss, and redemption. It delves into the duality between the natural world and the courtly realm, as well as the significance of memory and identity.
  • Historical Context: “Shakuntalá” is a masterpiece of Sanskrit literature attributed to the poet and playwright Kalidasa. It is believed to have been written in the 4th or 5th century AD in India. The play is based on a Hindu legend and has influenced Indian literature and culture over the centuries. Kalidasa is considered one of the greatest contributors to classical Sanskrit literature, and his work “Shakuntalá” is among the most well-known and appreciated within that literary corpus.