Shakuntala is a play written by the ancient Indian playwright Kalidasa in the 4th century CE. It is based on the story of Shakuntala, a beautiful and virtuous young woman who is abandoned by her husband, the king Dushyanta, due to a curse. Despite this, Shakuntala remains devoted to Dushyanta and eventually wins his love and forgiveness through her perseverance and purity of heart.
The play opens with Shakuntala, the daughter of the sage Vishvamitra and the apsara Menaka, living in the hermitage of her foster father, the sage Kanva. She falls in love with Dushyanta, who is out hunting in the forest, and the two become married according to the custom of "Gandharva marriage," in which a couple declares their love for each other without any formal ceremony.
However, Shakuntala's happiness is short-lived when a curse from a rishi causes Dushyanta to forget about her and their marriage. Shakuntala is heartbroken and decides to leave the hermitage to search for her husband. Along the way, she encounters many trials and tribulations, including the scorn of Dushyanta's mother and the hostility of the king's court.
Despite these obstacles, Shakuntala remains determined and continues to plead her case to Dushyanta. Eventually, the curse is lifted and Dushyanta remembers his love for Shakuntala. The play ends with the happy reunion of the couple and their eventual return to the kingdom, where they rule justly and happily.
One of the themes of the play is the power of love and devotion. Shakuntala's love for Dushyanta is unwavering, even when he forgets about her and treats her with disdain. Through her perseverance and faith, she is able to win back his love and forgiveness.
Another theme is the importance of virtue and inner strength. Despite the many challenges and setbacks she faces, Shakuntala remains true to her values and never wavers in her quest to be reunited with Dushyanta. This inner strength and moral fortitude ultimately help her to triumph over the obstacles in her path.
Shakuntala is a timeless tale that continues to be popular and relevant even today. Its themes of love, devotion, and inner strength speak to universal human experiences and emotions, making it a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by audiences around the world.