2017-01-27 Fri

Shakuntala was a central character in Kalidasa’s play Abhignanasakuntala. Indra feared to lose his throne to Rishi Vishwamitra and ordered Apsara Menaka to break his penace. She succeeded but also fell in love eventually giving birth to their daughter Shakuntala. Vishwamitra realized the truth and cursed Menaka that she would forget him; Menaka returned to Heaven leaving Shakuntala at Rishi Kanva’s ashram.

King Dushyanata of Hastinapur fell in love with Shakuntala, married her and stayed with her for a night before returning back and gave her his ring as a promise that he would soon return but eventually forgot about her due to his kingdom’s affairs. Shakuntala lost in his dreams did not greet Rishi Durvasa properly and was cursed that Dushyanta would forget about her until she showed him his ring. Shakuntala now pregnant went to meet Dushyanta who refused to recognize her as she had lost the ring in a river. She then settled deep within a forest where and gave birth to their son Bharata.

Later a fisherman captured the fish that had swallowed the ring and took it to the King. His memories came back and he left in search of Shakuntala. On his way, he saw Bharata casually opening a lion’s mouth and counting his teeth. When enquired about his parents he led Dushyanta to Shakuntala. United they returned to Hastinapur.

India Postage issued this 1 Rupee and 3 Naya Paisa commemorative stamp of Shakuntala on 22nd June, 1960. The stamp shows Shakuntala writing a letter to Dushyanta while her friends sit with her in a forest.