Sakoontala or the Lost Ring An Indian Drama By: Kalidasa
Sakoontala or the Lost Ring, an Indian Drama by Kalidasa, is a timeless masterpiece that transports its readers to ancient India with its enchanting plot and lyrical writing style. This classic play, originally written in Sanskrit in the 4th century BCE, continues to captivate and inspire readers even today. The story revolves around the beautiful and virtuous maiden named Sakoontala, who lives in a hermitage deep in the forest. Sakoontala's pure and innocent nature wins the heart of King Dushyanta, who encounters her during a hunting expedition. The king falls deeply in love at first sight, and they get secretly married with the promise of a future reunion. However, fate takes a twist when a curse befalls Sakoontala, causing Dushyanta to forget their marriage and their unborn child. Distraught and forgotten, Sakoontala goes through numerous trials and tribulations, alone and bewildered. Eventually, destiny brings the lost ring that symbolizes their love back into Dushyanta's hands, and it triggers his memory of the past. Kalidasa's impeccable storytelling skills shine through the intricate plot and well-developed characters. He masterfully incorporates elements of love, destiny, and moral dilemmas that resonate with readers of all ages. The play explores the universal themes of love, loyalty, and the longing to rediscover lost connections. Moreover, Kalidasa's poetic language and vivid descriptions transport readers to the lush forests, serene hermitages, and opulent palaces of ancient India. The rhythm and meter of his verses reflect the natural harmony of the world, adding another layer of beauty to the narrative. Each character, whether major or minor, is brought to life with depth and complexity, leaving a lasting impression. Sakoontala or the Lost Ring not only entertains but also offers valuable insights into the human condition and the power of love and redemption. It reminds readers of the importance of cherishing our connections and standing by our commitments even in the face of adversity. Although written centuries ago, this Indian drama remains relevant and meaningful. It serves as a reminder of the enduring power of classical literature and its ability to transcend time and cultural boundaries. Kalidasa's Sakoontala or the Lost Ring is an exquisite gem that deserves a treasured place on every literature lover's bookshelf. First Page: [S']AKOONTALÁ OR THE LOST RING AN INDIAN DRAMA TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH PROSE AND VERSE FROM THE SANSKRIT OF KÁLIDÁSA BY SIR MONIER MONIER WILLIAMS, K.C.I.E. M.A., D.C.L., LL.D., PH.D. BODEN PROFESSOR OF SANSKRIT, HON. FELLOW OF UNIVERSITY AND LATE FELLOW OF BALLIOL COLLEGE, OXFORD PREFACE TO THE EIGHTH EDITION. The fact that the following translation (first published in 1855) of India's most celebrated drama has gone through seven editions, might reasonably have absolved me from the duty of revising it. Three years ago, however, I heard that Sir John Lubbock had thought '[S']akoontalá' worthy of a place among the hundred best books of the world, and had adopted my version of the original. I therefore undertook to go through every line and once again compare the translation with the Sanskrit, in the hope that I might be able to give a few finishing touches to a performance which, although it had been before the public for about forty years, was certainly not perfect. The act of revision was a labour of love, and I can honestly say that I did my best to make my representation of Kálidása's immortal work as true and trustworthy as possible. Another edition is now called for, but after a severely critical examination of every word, I have only detected a few minor unimportant points and those only in the Introduction and Notes in which any alteration appeared to be desirable... Continue reading book >>

Sakoontala or the Lost Ring An Indian Drama By: Kalidasa

Sakoontala or the Lost Ring, an Indian Drama by Kalidasa, is a timeless masterpiece that transports its readers to ancient India with its enchanting plot and lyrical writing style. This classic play, originally written in Sanskrit in the 4th century BCE, continues to captivate and inspire readers even today.

The story revolves around the beautiful and virtuous maiden named Sakoontala, who lives in a hermitage deep in the forest. Sakoontala's pure and innocent nature wins the heart of King Dushyanta, who encounters her during a hunting expedition. The king falls deeply in love at first sight, and they get secretly married with the promise of a future reunion.

However, fate takes a twist when a curse befalls Sakoontala, causing Dushyanta to forget their marriage and their unborn child. Distraught and forgotten, Sakoontala goes through numerous trials and tribulations, alone and bewildered. Eventually, destiny brings the lost ring that symbolizes their love back into Dushyanta's hands, and it triggers his memory of the past.

Kalidasa's impeccable storytelling skills shine through the intricate plot and well-developed characters. He masterfully incorporates elements of love, destiny, and moral dilemmas that resonate with readers of all ages. The play explores the universal themes of love, loyalty, and the longing to rediscover lost connections.

Moreover, Kalidasa's poetic language and vivid descriptions transport readers to the lush forests, serene hermitages, and opulent palaces of ancient India. The rhythm and meter of his verses reflect the natural harmony of the world, adding another layer of beauty to the narrative. Each character, whether major or minor, is brought to life with depth and complexity, leaving a lasting impression.

Sakoontala or the Lost Ring not only entertains but also offers valuable insights into the human condition and the power of love and redemption. It reminds readers of the importance of cherishing our connections and standing by our commitments even in the face of adversity.

Although written centuries ago, this Indian drama remains relevant and meaningful. It serves as a reminder of the enduring power of classical literature and its ability to transcend time and cultural boundaries. Kalidasa's Sakoontala or the Lost Ring is an exquisite gem that deserves a treasured place on every literature lover's bookshelf.

First Page:

[S']AKOONTALÁ

OR THE LOST RING

AN INDIAN DRAMA

TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH PROSE AND VERSE FROM THE SANSKRIT OF KÁLIDÁSA

SIR MONIER MONIER WILLIAMS, K.C.I.E. M.A., D.C.L., LL.D., PH.D. BODEN PROFESSOR OF SANSKRIT, HON. FELLOW OF UNIVERSITY AND LATE FELLOW OF BALLIOL COLLEGE, OXFORD

PREFACE TO THE EIGHTH EDITION.

The fact that the following translation (first published in 1855) of India's most celebrated drama has gone through seven editions, might reasonably have absolved me from the duty of revising it.

Three years ago, however, I heard that Sir John Lubbock had thought '[S']akoontalá' worthy of a place among the hundred best books of the world, and had adopted my version of the original. I therefore undertook to go through every line and once again compare the translation with the Sanskrit, in the hope that I might be able to give a few finishing touches to a performance which, although it had been before the public for about forty years, was certainly not perfect. The act of revision was a labour of love, and I can honestly say that I did my best to make my representation of Kálidása's immortal work as true and trustworthy as possible.

Another edition is now called for, but after a severely critical examination of every word, I have only detected a few minor unimportant points and those only in the Introduction and Notes in which any alteration appeared to be desirable... Continue reading book >>

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