Group 5 – Sakuntala kama & dharma

The Recognition of Sakuntala Analysis

Kalidasa is known as the greatest poet and dramatist in traditiona Sanskrit literature. His masterpiece – The Recognition of Sakuntala – is among the first Sanskrit works to be translated into English and has a great impact on portraying Indian culture to Westerners. In this essay, I will analyze the cultural significance of the play through theoretical framework. I will explore the Hindu concepts of kama and dharma which are reflected throughout the course of the story.

Hinduism’s Purusartha

In Hinduism, Purusarthas are objectives of human being which consists of four elements: kama (pleasure or desire), artha (wealth), dharma (duty), and moksa (liberation). Purusarthas are undifferentiated between men and women, however, there is greater emphasis on men in their associative roles and duties. For this reason, the Indian culture is predominantly men oriented. The Recognition of Sakuntala has a great focus on kama through the romantic story of King Dusyanta and Sakuntala. In addition, the concept of dharma is also emphasized and well-resented in the thoughts and actions of the king.

Kama is desire for all things in general. Therefore, it is not accurate to translate kama to only sexual desire, although sexual desire is strongly connected to this concept (Rao). In The Recognition of Sakuntala, the focus of kama is on the desire for love and attraction. Kalidasa, using erotic language, paints the love stoy of King Duyanta and Sakuntala. When the king first sees Sakuntala at the hermitage, without any direct interaction, he already shows his deep affection for her by the way he talks about her in the dialogues. From that moment, he become love sick and look “for just a hint of mutual passion’s” (Kalidasa). Being a men, more importantly, a noble men, he take initiative to pursue his desire for love. He comes back to find Sakuntala, and is not afraid to approach her. Sakuntala, on the other hand, though also falls in love with the king at first sight, is more bashful and discreet about her affection. She barely talk and shows her feelings, though she is also love sick and distracted because of her longing for him. The play ends with a happy-ending when both reunites after a tragic separation. In Hinduism and Buddhism, it is believed that desire is the root of human suffering. Both the characters try to pursue a mutual love, only to anguish in separation and despair. Sakuntala is heartbroken when she is rejected by her husband – King Dusayanta. The king, once recovers his memory, lives in despair and lovesickness every day knowing he has turned away his love.

Dharma is an ethical concept about how one should live his life with conscious actions. Dharma relates to duty that associates with one’s social status. In this piece of literature, the most emphasis of dharma is placed on King Dusayanta. Kama is secular, while dharma is a spiritual value, and kama is subject to dharma. One must pursue his pleasures in a way that are not against dharma. Throughout the plot of the play, we the conflict of kama and dharma. When the king falls in love with Sakuntala, he faces the challenge of balancing his desire and duty of a king: “I have to weigh my duty to the ascetics against the request of a revered parent – and neither can be ignored.” (Kalidasa) Dusayanta, in general, is described as a king who always tries his best to fulfill his duty. He is always ready to spirit away the demons to protect his people. Whenever he is distracted by lovesickness, he is always reminded of his main duty. At the same time, Sakuntala also has her duty to complete. Her failure provide proper hospitality to Durvasa has resulted in a tragedy. Obviously, her desire has out-weighted her dharma. Using these metaphors, Kalidasa shows how important it is to practice dharma in Indian culture.