Abhijnanashakuntala ("Recognition of Shakuntala") is a Sanskrit word that means "recognition of Shakuntala."
- Kalidasa (5th century C.E.) wrote a drama that is generally regarded as the finest classical Sanskrit poet.
- The Abhijnanashakuntala is Kalidasa's finest play, depicting the hardships and tribulations of the legendary heroine Shakuntala.
While King Dushyanta is gone from his realm on a hunting expedition, Shakuntala, the daughter of the philosopher Vishvamitra and the heavenly nymph Menaka, catches King Dushyanta's attention.
In what is known as a gandharva marriage, Shakuntala and Dushyanta married by mutual agreement.
- Dushyanta returns to his realm after their marriage. Shakuntala stays at home and accidentally irritates the sage Durvasas, who curses her to be forgotten by her lover.
- Shakuntala begs Durvasas to lift the curse so that Dushyanta would remember everything if Shakuntala can present Dushyanta a symbol of their marriage.
- Shakuntala has received Dushyanta's signet ring, but she misplaces it before she can meet him.
- Shakuntala is repeatedly denied by Dushyanta until she discovers the ring in the belly of a fish.
- When Dushyanta sees the ring, he recognizes Shakuntala (thus the title of the play), and the two marry and live happily ever after.
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