The Recognition of Sakuntala

"The Recognition of Sakuntala" is the celebrated Sanskrit drama by Kalidasa, widely recognized as the greatest poet and dramatist of the classical Sanskrit language. Written sometime in the 4th or 5th century AD, "The Recognition of Sakuntala" tells of the epic love story of King Dusyanta and Sakuntala, the adopted daughter of a religious sage. Dusyanta meets Sakuntala while on a hunting trip and marries her quickly, full of love and passion for her. Tragedy befalls the young couple when Dusyanta is returning to court and Sakuntala accidentally offends a visiting sage and is cursed in retribution. The effect of the curse is that Dusyanta has completely forgotten Sakuntala and his love for her until he sees the ring that he has left for her. Kalidasa's erotic and romantic play was first translated into English in 1789 and caused a sensation throughout Europe for its scandalous subject matter and tone. The German writer Goethe was particularly enthralled with the tale and was inspired by its vivid descriptions and lyrical verse. "The Recognition of Sakuntala" continues to be performed and studied all over the world and endures as a masterpiece of Sanskrit literature.