The Temptation of Karna

• "The Temptation of Karna" explores themes of dharma, adharma, and moral ambiguity through the character of Karna from the Mahabharata.
• Karna, despite his noble qualities, faces constant internal conflict due to his birth circumstances and societal prejudices.
• The play delves into Karna's loyalty to Duryodhana, which puts him in direct opposition to the Pandavas, his own brothers, creating a complex ethical dilemma.
• The temptation refers to multiple instances where Karna is offered a chance to switch sides or reveal his true identity, promising him power and acceptance.
• However, Karna's commitment to his word and his friendship with Duryodhana leads him to reject these offers, even though they might offer a better, more righteous path.
• The play highlights the tragic consequences of choices made under duress and the heavy burden of upholding one's principles in a morally complex world.

The Dicing (from the Mahabharata)

• The dicing game, or game of dice, is a pivotal event in the Mahabharata that leads to Draupadi's disrobing and sets the stage for the Kurukshetra War.
• Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, is invited to a game of dice by Shakuni, Duryodhana's uncle, who is known for his cunning and skill in cheating.
• Yudhishthira, known for his righteousness but also his weakness for gambling, accepts the invitation, despite warnings from his family and advisors.
• In the game, Yudhishthira loses his wealth, kingdom, brothers, and eventually Draupadi, his wife, to Duryodhana and his allies.
• Draupadi is then dragged into the court and humiliated, with attempts made to disrobe her in front of everyone, an act of extreme dishonor and injustice.
• Krishna intervenes miraculously to protect Draupadi from being disrobed completely, saving her from further humiliation.
• The dicing incident exposes the deceit and malice of the Kauravas and the helplessness of the Pandavas, igniting the pent-up anger and desire for revenge that ultimately leads to the war.
• The event underscores themes of dharma, justice, and the consequences of unchecked greed and arrogance.

Abhijñānaśākuntalam (The Recognition of Sakuntala)

• "Abhijñānaśākuntalam" is a famous Sanskrit play by Kalidasa, telling the story of King Dushyanta and Sakuntala, a daughter of a sage raised in a hermitage.
• Dushyanta, while on a hunting expedition, encounters Sakuntala in the hermitage and falls in love with her.
• They marry in a secret ceremony, and Dushyanta promises to bring Sakuntala to his palace as his queen.
• Before leaving, Dushyanta gives Sakuntala a royal ring as a token of recognition.
• Due to a curse from the sage Durvasa, Sakuntala loses her memory of Dushyanta, and Dushyanta loses his memory of Sakuntala.
• When Sakuntala travels to Dushyanta's court to claim her place as queen, he fails to recognize her because of the curse.
• The royal ring, meant for recognition, is lost when Sakuntala bathes in a river.
• A fisherman later finds the ring inside a fish and presents it to the king, breaking the curse.
• Dushyanta regains his memory of Sakuntala and realizes his mistake.
• After a period of separation and repentance, Dushyanta and Sakuntala are reunited, and they eventually have a son named Bharata, after whom India is named.
• The play explores themes of love, loss, memory, duty, and redemption.
• It is celebrated for its beautiful poetry, vivid descriptions of nature, and insightful portrayal of human emotions.