1. The cultural universe depicted in the play Abhijnanasakuntalam is opposed to the modern/twentieth century culture in many ways. Discuss
2. Discuss King Duhsanta in the play. 3. Woud you agree that Sakuntala is the depiction of the ideal Indian woman? 4. Write a note on Anasuya and Priyamvada. 5. Comment on the importance of any one of the following incidents in the play, such as; (a) Rishi Durvasa’s curse; (b) The royal ring; (c) The title of the play; (d) The beeepisode; (e) Queen Hamsavati’s Song; (f) The king’s p
1. Explain the concept of Rasa. 2. Scholars of Sanskrit drama have identified Sringaara rasa as the dominant rasa in the play. Would you agree?
1. What does King Duhsanta notice on the palm of the little boy in sage Marica’s ashram? 2. Describe Sakuntala’s appearance when she comes before the king? 3. What does sage Marica’s predict for Sakuntala’s son?
1. Why is the fisherman arrested by the police? 2. Why had the king given his signet ring to Sakuntala? 3. Who is Dhana-Vredhi and what happens to him? 4. Why does Lord Indra send Matali to fetch King Duhsanta
1. Why does Duhsanta feel sad on listening to the song about the bee? 2. Why do Saradvata and Sangarava feel unwell on entering Duhsanta’s palace? 3. What message does sage Kanva send for Duhsanta? 4. What happens to Sakuntala at the end of this act?
1. Why is sage Durvasa angry with Sakuntala? 2. Why don’t Sakuntala’s friends tell her about the curse? 3. What advice does sage Kanva give to Sakuntala before she leaves the ashram?
1. Identify and describe some figures of speech used to describe the love between Sakuntala and Duhsanta. 2. What is a gandharva form of marriage?
1. Why does the king call off the hunt? 2. Why do the hermits request King Duhsanta to come and stay in sage Kanva’s ashram? 3. Why does Duhsanta send Madhavya back to his court?
1. How does King Duhsanta describe Sage Kanva’s hermitage to his charioteer? 2. What does Anasuya tell the King about Sakuntala’s parentage? 3. Why does the king offer Priyamvada his signet ring
