Sakuntala

Sakuntala is a central figure in classical Indian literature, most famously known from the Sanskrit play Abhijnanasakuntalam by the poet Kalidasa. The story originates from the Mahabharata, an ancient Indian epic, and tells the tale of a beautiful ascetic girl named Sakuntala. She lived in the forest hermitage of the sage Kanva, her adoptive father.

One day, King Dushyanta was hunting in the forest and came across Sakuntala. He was immediately captivated by her beauty and virtue, and they fell in love. They were secretly married in the forest according to Gandharva rites. Dushyanta, needing to return to his kingdom, promised to send for Sakuntala later, giving her his royal ring as a token of his love and remembrance.

However, before Dushyanta could send for her, Sakuntala inadvertently offended the sage Durvasa, who cursed her, causing Dushyanta to forget her entirely. In her despair, Sakuntala was on her way to Dushyanta's palace when she lost the ring in a river. When she finally reached the court, Dushyanta did not recognize her due to the curse. Later, the ring was found by a fisherman, which then reminded Dushyanta of Sakuntala. He sought her out, and they were reunited, eventually having a son named Bharata, after whom India is said to be named. Sakuntala's story is a poignant narrative of love, curse, memory, and eventual reunion, exploring themes of duty, fate, and divine intervention.