Anu-Chintanam

“Abhijnana Shakuntalam” is a renowned Sanskrit play written by the ancient Indian poet and playwright Kalidasa. It is considered one of the greatest works of classical Sanskrit literature and is often referred to simply as “Shakuntala” or “The Recognition of Shakuntala.”

The play tells the story of Shakuntala, a beautiful and virtuous young woman who falls in love with King Dushyanta. They secretly marry in a forest, and Dushyanta promises to return for her after handling matters of state. However, due to a curse, Dushyanta forgets about his marriage to Shakuntala.

The plot unfolds as Shakuntala faces various trials and tribulations, including a temporary separation from her son, Bharata. Eventually, through the power of her virtuous character and the intervention of divine beings, Dushyanta’s memory is restored, and he recognizes Shakuntala as his wife.

“Abhijnana Shakuntalam” explores themes of love, loyalty, fate, and the power of virtue. It is renowned for its lyrical language, vivid descriptions of nature, and profound philosophical insights. The play has had a significant influence on Indian literature, theatre, and culture, and it continues to be performed and studied to this day.

स्त्रीणाम् अशिक्षितपटुत्वम् अमानुषीषु संदृश्यते किमुत याः प्रतिबोधवत्यः। प्रागन्तरिक्षगमनात्स्वमपत्यजातम् अन्यैर्द्विजैः परभृताः किल पोषयन्ति।।

English – What is the matter of knowledgeable human women. Unwise women of the animal and bird caste are also seen to be clever and Brilliant by nature without being taught. Just like the nightingale gets its child raised by crows until it is able to fly in the sky.

Hindi – ज्ञानमती मानुषी स्त्रियों की तो बात ही क्या है । पशु पक्षी जाती की अज्ञान स्त्रियां भी सिखाए बिना , स्वभाव से ही चतुर और चालाक देखी जाती है । जैसे कोकिलाए जब तक अपने बच्चा आकाश में उड़ने लायक ना हो जाता, तब तक उसका पालन पोषण कौओं से करवाती हैं।

Kannada – ಜ್ಞಾನವುಳ್ಳ ಮಾನವ ಸ್ತ್ರೀಯರ ವಿಷಯವೇನು. ಪ್ರಾಣಿ-ಪಕ್ಷಿ ಜಾತಿಯ ಅಜ್ಞಾನಿ ಸ್ತ್ರೀಯರು ಸಹ ಪಾಠ ಮಾಡದೆ ಸ್ವಭಾವತಃ ಬುದ್ಧಿವಂತರು ಎಂದು ಕಾಣುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಕೋಗಿಲೆಯು ತನ್ನ ಮಗುವನ್ನು ಆಕಾಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಹಾರಲು ಸಾಧ್ಯವಾಗುವವರೆಗೆ ಕಾಗೆಗಳಿಂದ ಬೆಳೆಸಿದಂತೆಯೇ.

Sanskrit – ज्ञानिनां मानुषस्त्रीणां किं ? पशुपक्षिजातीयाः अज्ञानिन्यः स्त्रियः अशिक्षिताः अपि स्वभावतः चतुराः दृश्यन्ते । यथा कोकिलः स्वस्य बालकः यावत्पर्यन्तं आकाशे डयितुं समर्थः न भवति तावत्पर्यन्तं काकैः पालनं पोषणं च कारयति ।