The Concept of True Love in Kalidasa’s Abhijnana Sakuntalam”: A Critical Study (Abhijnana Sakuntalam, translated into English by Arthur W. Ryder)

By : Rajamouly Katta

Page No: 10-22

Abstract:
Abhijnana Sakuntalam is a world-famous play that reflects the playwright Kalidasa’s great dramatic element, idyllic description of nature, values and aesthetics, virtues and morality, and remarkable handling of true love as merits achieving universal appeal, coherence of tone and quality, and sublime message. The lovers, Dusyanta and Sakuntala in the play are committed to true love. Sakuntala as a child has grown to be in the union of simplicity and purity, nobility and modesty in her character. She develops love for the sights and sounds of nature. Dusyanta, a prince too is flawless in character, thoughts, actions, and manners, happens to have her glimpse in the hermitage of sage Kanva. They fall in love at first sight after having been impressed by their charms and temperaments of each other. They feel fortunate to have their first meeting at the hermitage when their hearts are open for lovemaking. Due to the curse of Durvasa, their union proves to be temporary as the external evil causes their separation as lovers. They prove to be worthy lovers of pure love for their reunion. Their suffering in separation deepens and strengthens their love. It is a temporary separation to lead the lovers to the goal of their reunion as Dusyanta welcomes Sakuntala to his bosom for their happy reunion, letting no Durvasa appear again in the sojourn of their true love like the storm to disrupt calmness. They learn the fact that the curse is responsible for their separation. It in its course purifies their hearts, leading the lovers ultimately to culminate in their happy reunion after the pangs of separation. The play is the loveliest creation of Kalidasa for the cause and welfare of women especially the character of Sakuntala who dominates the play by attracting the utmost attention of spectators or readers. Their love episode simply starts as a small part of Mahabharata but significantly adds beauty and glory to be a play par excellence. Kalidasa is so successful in writing the play Abhijnana Sakuntalam that it rises high to achieve every spectator’s or reader’s encomiums for universal acclaims as a play of pure love.

Author:
Prof. Dr Rajamouly Katta: Author, Writer, Editor, Novelist, Poet. Professor & Head Dept. of English, Ganapathy Engineering College, Warangal (Telangana State).
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/POET.2025.38.02.2