Shakuntala in Hindu Mythology and Kalidasa's Play

Study Notes

Shakuntala is a significant figure in Hindu mythology and the wife of King Dushyanta.
She is the daughter of the sage Vishwamitra and the apsara (nymph) Menaka.
According to the myth, Shakuntala was abandoned by her mother and found by a sage named Kanva, who adopted her.
Shakuntala's story is mentioned in the Mahabharata and the Puranas.

Kalidasa, a renowned Sanskrit poet and playwright, wrote the play "Abhijnanasakuntalam" (The Recognition of Shakuntala) in the 5th century CE.
The play is a romantic drama that tells the story of Shakuntala and King Dushyanta's love and marriage.
The play is considered one of the greatest works of ancient Indian literature and is still widely performed today.
It explores themes of love, duty, and the complexities of human relationships.

Shakuntala's character in the play represents the ideal of Indian womanhood in ancient times.
She is depicted as a strong-willed and independent woman who is also devoted to her husband and family.
The play highlights the importance of women's education and their role in society.
Shakuntala's story also raises questions about the position of women in ancient Indian society, particularly in relation to marriage and family.

Shakuntala's story has had a significant impact on Indian literature and culture.
The play "Abhijnanasakuntalam" is considered a masterpiece of Sanskrit literature and has influenced many other works of Indian literature.
The character of Shakuntala has become an iconic figure in Indian literature and has been depicted in various forms of art and literature.
The play's themes of love, duty, and social expectations continue to resonate with Indian audiences today.

Shakuntala is the wife of King Dushyanta and the daughter of sage Vishwamitra and apsara Menaka.
She was abandoned by her mother and found by sage Kanva, who adopted her.
Shakuntala's story is mentioned in the Mahabharata and the Puranas.

Kalidasa wrote the play "Abhijnanasakuntalam" (The Recognition of Shakuntala) in the 5th century CE.
The play is a romantic drama that tells the story of Shakuntala and King Dushyanta's love and marriage.
It is considered one of the greatest works of ancient Indian literature and is still widely performed today.
The play explores themes of love, duty, and human relationships.

Shakuntala represents the ideal of Indian womanhood in ancient times, depicted as strong-willed and independent yet devoted to her husband and family.
The play highlights the importance of women's education and their role in society.
Shakuntala's story raises questions about the position of women in ancient Indian society, particularly in relation to marriage and family.

Shakuntala's story has had a significant impact on Indian literature and culture.
"Abhijnanasakuntalam" is a masterpiece of Sanskrit literature and has influenced many other works of Indian literature.
The character of Shakuntala is an iconic figure in Indian literature, depicted in various forms of art and literature.
The play's themes continue to resonate with Indian audiences today.