ACT I THE HUNT

(Curtain Opens to show struggle of a deer which tries to escape from hunters. Dim light, stage full of
fogs. Deer jumps, runs, around the stage. Frightening music)
Voice of Charioteer (from background who is following the king and the deer):
Your Majesty, I see you hunt the spotted deer with shafts
to end his race, As though God Shiva should appear In his
immortal chase.
(Pursuing the deer, King Dushyanta, with bow and arrow in hand, appears on the stage. He aims the
deer but it manages to escape. He looks for charioteer but he is far away.)

King (Shouts): Charioteer, the deer has led us a long chase. And even now
His neck in beauty bends
As backward looks he sends
At my pursuing car
That threatens death from far. (Fatigued Charioteer enters)
Fear shrinks to half the body small;
See how he fears the arrow's fall!
The path he takes is strewed
He leaps so often and so high, He does not seem to run, but fly.
(In surprise.) Pursue as I may, I can hardly keep him in sight.
Charioteer: Your Majesty, I have been holding the horses back because
the ground was rough. This checked us and gave the deer a lead. Now
we are on level ground, and you will easily captivate him.
(Again stage is full of frightening music. King, followed by Charioteer, chases deer. They struggle. Enter
a hermit with his pupil.)
Hermit 1: O King, this deer belongs to the hermitage, and must not be killed.
King (hastily signals to Stop the chase)
Charioteer: Yes, your Majesty.
Hermit 2 (lifting his hand). O King,
Why should his tender form expire,
As blossoms perish in the fire?
How could that gentle life endure
The deadly arrow, sharp and sure?
Restore your arrow to the quiver; Do not strike the innocent.
King (bowing low): It is done.
Hermit 2 (joyfully): A deed worthy of you, scion of Puru's race,
and shining example of kings.
Hermit 1: May you beget a son to rule earth and heaven.
King (bowing low): I am thankful for a Brahman's blessing.

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Hermit 1: O King, we are on our way to gather firewood. Here, along
the bank of the Malini, you may see the hermitage of Father
Kanva.
King: Is the hermit father there?
Hermit 2:No, he has left his daughter Shakuntala to welcome guests,
and has just gone to Somatirtha, to avert an evil fate that
threatens her.
King: Well, I will see her. She shall feel my devotion, and report it to
the sage.
Hermit 1 & 2: Then we will go on our way. (Exit Hermits)
King: Charioteer, A sight of the pious hermitage will purify us.
Charioteer: Yes, your Majesty. (He follows King going towards Hermitage. They observe
things around the surrounding in pleasing ways)
King (after a little): We must not disturb the hermitage. Stop here while
I visit the place.
Charioteer (wanted to argue but agrees without arguments) Your Majesty.
King (looks at himself): One should wear modest garments on entering a hermitage.
Take these jewels and the bow. (He gives them to the charioteer.) Before I
return from my visit to the hermits, have the horses' backs wet down.
Charioteer. Yes, Your Majesty. (Charioteer exit)
King (walking and looking about): The hermitage! Well, I will enter. (As he does so, he feels a
throbbing in his arm.) A tranquil spot! Why should I thrill?
Love cannot enter there-
Yet to inevitable things
Doors open everywhere.
A voice behind the scene: This way, girls!
King (listening): I think I hear someone to the right of the grove. I must find
out. (He walks and looks about.) Ah, here are hermit-girls, with watering-
pots just big enough for them to handle. They are coming in this
direction to water the young trees. They are charming! I will draw back
into the shade and wait for them. (He stands, gazing toward them. Enter
Shakuntala, and her two friends.)
Anusuya: It seems to me, dear, that Father Kanva cares more for the
hermitage trees than he does for you. You are delicate as a jasmine
blossom. (Shakuntala waters the trees.)
Priyamvada: Shakuntala, we have watered the trees that blossom in the summer-
time. Now let's sprinkle those whose flowering-time is past. That will
be a better deed, because we shall not be working for a reward.
(Shakuntala follows Priyamvada towards tree)

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King (to himself): And this is Kanva's daughter, Shakuntala. (In surprise.) The
good Father does wrong to make her wear the hermit's dress of bark.
Well, I will step behind a tree and see how she acts with her friends. (He
conceals himself.)
Shakuntala: Oh, Anusuya! Priyamvada has fastened this bark dress so tight that it
hurts. Please loosen it. (Anusuya does so.)
Priyamvada (laughing): You had better blame your own budding charms
for that.
King: She is quite right.
Shakuntala (looking ahead): Oh, girls, that mango-tree is trying to tell me
something with his branches that move in the wind like fingers. I
must go and see him. (She does so.)
Priyamvada: There, Shakuntala, stand right where you are. (looking joyfully). And
I have something pleasant to tell you. You are to be married soon.
Shakuntala (snappishly): You know that's just what you want for yourself.
Priyamvada. I'm not teasing. I really heard Father Kanva say… …
Shakuntala (excitedly): Oh, oh! A bee has left the jasmine vine and is flying
into my face. (She shows herself annoyed by the bee.) Oh, girls! Save
me from this dreadful bee!
Priyamvada: (smiling). Who are we, that we should save you? Call upon Dushyanta.
For this pious groves are in the protection of the king.
King: A good opportunity to present myself. Have no- (He checks himself.
Aside.) No, they would see that I am the king. I prefer to appear as a
guest.
Shakuntala: He doesn't leave me alone! I am going to run away. (She takes a step
and looks about.) Oh, dear! Oh, dear! He is following me. Please save me.
King (hastening forward): Ah!
A king of Puru's mighty line
Chastises shameless churls;
What insolent is he who baits
These artless hermit-girls?
(The girls are a little flurried on seeing the king.)
Anusuya: It is nothing very dreadful, sir. But our friend (indicating
Shakuntala) was teased and frightened by a bee.
King (to Shakuntala): I hope these pious days are happy ones.
(Shakuntala's eyes drop in embarrassment.)
Anusuya: Yes, now that we receive such a distinguished guest.
Priyamvada: Welcome, sir. Go to the cottage, Shakuntala, and bring fruit. This
water will do to wash hi s h an ds .
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King: Your courteous words are enough to make me feel at home.
Anusuya. Sir, you are so very courteous that I make bold to ask you something.
What country is grieving at your absence? Why does a gentleman so
delicately bred submit to the weary journey into our pious grove?
Shakuntala (aside): Be brave, my heart. Anusuya speaks your very thoughts.
King (aside): Shall I tell at once who I am, or conceal it? (He reflects.) This
will do. (Aloud.) I am a student of Scripture. It is my duty to see
justice done in the cities of the king. And I have come to this
hermitage on a tour of inspection.
Anusuya: Then we of the hermitage have some one to take care of us. (Shakuntala shows

embarrassment.)
King: I too would like to ask a question about your friend.
The two friends. Sir, your request is a favour to us.
King: Father Kanva lives a lifelong hermit. Yet you say that your friend
is his daughter. How can that be?
Anusuya: Father Kanva is not her real father. He took care of her when she was
abandoned.
King: You waken my curiosity with the word "abandoned". May I
hear the whole story?
Anusuya: Listen, sir. Many years ago, that royal sage was leading a life of
stern austerities, and the gods, becoming strangely jealous, sent the
nymph Menaka to disturb his devotions.
King: And then-
Priyambada: Then in the lovely spring-time he saw her intoxicating Beauty -
(She stops in embarrassment.)
King: The rest is plain. Surely, she is the daughter of the nymph.
Anusuya: Yes. (Shakuntala threatens her friend with her finger.)
King: You are right. Your pious life interests me, and I have another
question.
Anusuya/Priyamvada: Do not hesitate.
Priyambada: We hermit people stand ready to answer all demands.
King: My question is this:
Does she, till marriage only, keep her vow As hermit-maid?
Priyamvada: Sir, we are under bonds to lead a life of virtue. But it is her father's
wish to give her to a suitable lover.
King (joyfully to himself): O heart, your wish is won!
All doubt at last is done;

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 The thing you feared as fire, Is the jewel of your desire.
Shakuntala (pettishly): Anusuya, I'm going.
Priyamvada (approaching Shakuntala):You dear, peevish girl! You mustn't go.
Shakuntala (turns with a frown): Why not?
Priyamvada: You owe me the watering of two trees. You can go when you have
paid your debt. (She forces her to come back.)
King: It is plain that she is already wearied by watering the trees. See! I
therefore remit her debt.
(He gives the two friends a ring. They take it, read the name engraved on it, and look at each other.)
King: Make no mistake. This is a present - from the king.
Anusuya: Well, Shakuntala, you are set free by this kind Gentleman -or
rather, by the king himself. Where are you going now?
Priyamvada: Why don't you go now?
Shakuntala: I am not your servant any longer. I will go when I like.
King (looking at Shakuntala. To himself): Does she feel toward me as I do toward her?
At least, there is ground for hope. Although she does not speak to
me, She listens while I speak;

A voice behind the scenes. Hermits! Hermits! Prepare to defend the creatures
in our pious grove. King Dushyanta is hunting in the
neighbourhood. The dust his horses' hoofs have raised.
King (aside). Alas! My soldiers are disturbing the pious grove in their search for me.

The voice behind the scenes. Hermits! Hermits! Here is an elephant who is
terrifying old men, women, and children. (The girls listen and rise
anxiously.)

King. I have offended sadly against the hermits. I must go back.

Priyamvada & Anusuya: Your Honour, Permit us to return to the cottage.
Anusuya (to Shakuntala): Shakuntala dear, Mother Gautami will be anxious.
We must hurry and find her.
Shakuntala (feigning lameness): Oh, oh! I can hardly walk.
King (approaches towards her to help): You must go very slowly. And I will
take pains that the hermitage is not disturbed.

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 ACT II The Secret

(Enter the clown.)

Clown (sighing). Damn! Damn! Damn! I'm tired of being friends with this sporting
king. "There's a deer!" he shouts, "There's a boar!" We drink hot,
stinking water from the mountain streams! And the horses and the
elephants make such a noise that I can't even be comfortable at night. Damn!

Damn! Damn!!
Today afternoon, King left us behind and went hunting a deer. And
there in a hermitage they say he found- oh, dear! oh, dear! he
found a hermit-girl named Shakuntala. Since then he hasn't a thought
of going back to town. What can I do? Hello! Here he comes, with his
bow in his hand, and his girl in his heart. Ha aha ha. Well, I'll pretend to
be all knocked up. Ah! Ah! Ahhh!!! Perhaps I can get a rest that way.
(Enter the king, as described. He is followed by Charioteer.)
Clown (standing as before). Well, king, I can't move my hand. I can only greet you with
my voice. Aha… it's paining.
King (looking and smiling). What makes you lame?
Clown. Good! You hit a man in the eye, and then ask him why the tears come.
King. I do not understand you. Speak plainly.
Clown. And you are to blame for my troubles.
King. How so?
Clown. It's a fine thing for you to neglect your royal duties and such a sure job - to
live in the woods! What's the good of talking? Here I am, a Brahman, and my

joints are all shaken up by this eternal running after wild animals. Please be
good to me. Let us have a rest for just one day.
King (to himself). He says this. When I remember Kanva's daughter, I have little
desire for the chase. (smiling). What more could I mean? I have been
thinking
that I ought to take my friend's advice.
(King talks something on ears of Charioteer. He goes out)
Clown (cheerfully). Long life to you, then. (He sits.)
(Charioteer brings General and keeps himself in the same position.)
General. Victory to your Majesty! The forest is full of deer-tracks, and
beasts of prey cannot be far off. What better occupation
could we have?
King. Bhadrasena, my enthusiasm is broken. Madhavya has been
preaching against hunting.

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General. Your Majesty, he is a chattering idiot. Your Majesty may judge by his own
case
whether hunting is an evil.
Consider: The hunter's form grows sinewy, strong, and light;
He learns, from beasts of prey, how wrath and fright Affect the mind; his
skill he loves to measure
With moving targets. 'Tis life's chiefest pleasure.
Clown (angrily). Get out! Get out with your strenuous life! The king has
come to his senses. But you, you son of a slave-wench, can go
chasing from forest to forest, till you fall into the jaws of some
old bear that is looking for a deer or a jackal.
King. Bhadrasena, I cannot take your advice, because I am in the vicinity of a
hermitage.
General. Yes, your Majesty.
King. Send back the archers who have gone ahead. And forbid the
soldiers to vex the hermitage, or even to approach it.
General. Yes, your Majesty.
Clown follows General a little and teases as King decided not
to go for hunting. King and Charioteer talk. (Exit general.)
King and Clown walk little to find suitable place to sit down.)
King. Friend Madhavya, you do not know what vision is. You have not seen the
fairest of all objects.
Clown. I see you, right in front of me.
King. Yes, every one thinks himself beautiful. But I was speaking of Shakuntala, the
ornament of the hermitage.
Clown (to himself). I mustn't add fuel to the flame. (Aloud.) But you Can't have her
because she is a hermit-girl. What is the use of seeing her?
King. Fool!
Clown (laughing). All the pearls of the palace are yours, and you want this girl – a
hermit girl!
King. My friend, you have not seen her, or you could not talk so.
Clown. She must be charming if she surprises you.
King. Oh, my friend, she needs not many words.
She is God's vision, of pure thought
Composed in His creative mind;
Clown. Marry her quick, then, before the poor girl falls into the hands of some oily-
headed hermit.
King. She is dependent on her father, and he is not here.
Clown. But how does she feel toward you?
King. My friend, hermit-girls are by their very nature timid. And yet
When I was near, she could not look at me; She
smiled - but not to me - and half denied it;
She would not show her love for modesty, Yet

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 did not try so very hard to hide it.
Clown. She has given you some memories to chew on. I suppose that
is why you are so in love with the pious grove.
King. My friend, think of some pretext under which we may return to
the hermitage.
Clown. What pretext do you need? Aren't you the king?
Voices behind scenes. Ah, we have found him. Victory oh King. Victory
Charioteer. (Goes Out and comes in to say) There are few hermit youths at the gate.
King. Bid them enter at once.
Charioteer. (goes out, then returns with the youths.) Follow me.
King (rising). I salute you.
The four youths (approaching). Victory, O King!
King (receiving it and bowing low). May I know the reason of your coming?
All Youths. The hermits have learned that you are here, and they request.
King. They command rather.
The First Youths. The powers of evil disturb our pious life in the absence
of the hermit-father.
The Second Youth. We therefore ask that you will remain a few nights
with your charioteer to protect the hermitage.
King. I shall be most happy to do so. (King instructs Charioteer, charioteer goes out)
The Leader Youth. Majesty, For when the gods in heaven with demons fight in future,
Your bow and Indra's weapon bright will be only reliance for the victory.
King. l've already asked my charioteer to drive up, and to bring the
bow and arrows. And I will follow your commands straightway.
All Youths. Victory, O King! (Exit)
King. Madhavya, have you no curiosity to see Shakuntala?
(While Clown intends to talk there comes Charioteer.)
Charioteer. Your Majesty, the chariot is ready, and awaits your
departure to victory. But Karabhaka has brought message from
the queen-mother.
King (respectfully). Sent by my mother? (Silence) Let him enter.
Charioteer (goes out and returns with Karabhaka). Karabhaka, here is his
Majesty. You may draw near.
Karabhaka (approaching and bowing low). Victory to your Majesty. The
queen-mother sends her commands-
King. What are her commands?
Karabhaka. She plans to end a fasting ceremony on the fourth day from to-
day. And on that occasion her dear son must not fail to wait upon her.
(Karabhaka exists as clown sends him)
King. On the one side is my duty to the hermits, on the other my
Mother's command. Neither may be disregarded. What is to be done?
Clown (laughing). Stay half-way between, like Trishanku.
(King and Charioteer talks/argues)
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King (He reflects.) My friend, the queen-mother has always felt toward you
as toward a son. Do you return, tell her what duty keeps me here, and
yourself perform the offices of a son.
(He takes the clown by the hand) Friend Madhavya, my reverence
for the hermits draws me to the hermitage. Do not think that I am
really in love with the hermit-girl.
Clown. Oh, I understand that well enough. (King and Clown exit)
Charioteer: (moves ahead in the central front of the stage) His Majesty's glory will rise as his
strength is more than mountain-elephant. King will surely overcome evil
powers. But… oh ! Almighty God, save him from her lovely arrows of
flowers.
(He goes towards King in little hurriedness.)

ACT III
THE LOVE-MAKING
(Music/ Dim Light : After war, people are wounded but still they are helping each other. They manage
things, dead bodies. Priests are talking in various groups. They are walking and collecting fire sticks.
Girls carrying flowers in baskets they carry. Enter a pupil, with sacred grass for the sacrifice.)
Pupil 1. How great is the power of King Dushyanta! Since his arrival our rites
have been undisturbed.
Pupil 2. Yes, you are right… look these fearless people! they are able to live
peacefully.
Pupil 1. Well, I will take this sacred grass to the priests, to strew the altar. (He
walks and looks about, and then P u p i l 3 speaks to someone not visible.)
Pupil 3. Priyamvada, for whom are you carrying this cuscus-salve and the
fibrous lotus-leaves? (He listens.) What do you say? … That Shakuntala
has become seriously ill from the heat, and that these things are to
relieve her suffering?
P u p i l 1 . Give her the best of care, Priyamvada. She is the very life of the
hermit-father. ( T h e y a l l E x i t t u r n b y t u r n ) ( P r i y a m v a d a a n d
Anusuya with flowers and herbs in their baskets talk to each
other while they return to cottage)
Priyamvada . Anusuya, since she first saw the good king, she has been greatly
troubled. I do not believe her fever has any other cause.
Anusuya. I suspect you are right. I am going to ask her. (Exit)
(Lovelorn King enters being tired. He seems to look for something desperately.)

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King: I have driven off the powers of evil, and the hermits have dismissed
me. Where shall I go now to rest from my weariness? (He sighs.)
There is no rest for me except in seeing her whom I love. (He looks
up. Thinks for a while. Smiles) O . S h e m u s t b e t h e r e ! ( r u n s a w a y ) .
(Shakuntala and her friends enter)
Shakuntala (sighing). I could not tell any one else. But I shall …
Ever since I saw the good king who protects the pious grove –
Priyamvada & Anusuya. Go on, dear.
Shakuntala. I love him, and it makes me feel like this.
Priyamvada & Anusuya. Good, good! You have found a lover worthy of your
devotion.
Priyamvada (aside to Anusuya). Anusuya, she is far gone in love and cannot
endure any delay.
Anusuya (reflecting). Well, she must write him a love-letter. And I will hide it
in a bunch of flowers. And I will see that it gets into the king's hand as
if it were a relic of the sacrifice.
Priyamvada. It is a pretty plan, dear, and it pleases me. What does Shakuntala
say? (Shakuntala ashamed runs away from her friends)
( At this point, there will be struggle of demons and hermits)
A voice behind the scenes. O King!
The flames rise heavenward from the evening altar;
And round the sacrifices, blazing high,
Flesh-eating demons stalk, like red cloud-masses,
And cast colossal shadows on the sky.
King. (enters powerfully) Have no fear, hermits. I am here.
(Terrifying music/ dance form Fight. King fights with evil powers again. He defeats them after little
struggles. He encounters running Shakuntala. They express their love – Priyamvada and Anusuya
become eyewitness of their commitment. King and Shakuntala move around forest, river. Dance. King
tries to kill deer. But Shakuntala stops and shows her attachment to it.)
King (holds hand of Shakuntala who intends to go home): Oh, my beloved, my love
for you is my whole life, yet you leave me and go away.
Shakuntala: When I hear this, I have no power to go.
(King and Shakuntala Dance. Dance is stopped by the voice behind the scenes)
Gautami: Oh my dear Shakuntala. Where are you? Bid your friends farewell and
return home.
Shakuntala (listening excitedly). Oh, my dear, this is Mother Gautami, come to inquire
Shakuntala pg. 10 Chelsea International Academy
 about me. Please hide. (The king conceals himself.)
(Enter Gautami with her hermit woman, with a bowl in her hand.)
Gautami. Here is the holy water, my child. (She sees Shakuntala and helps her
to rise.) So ill, and all alone here with the gods?
Shakuntala. It was just a moment ago that Priyamvada and Anusuya went down
to the river.
Gautami (sprinkling Shakuntala with the holy water). May you live long and happy, my
child. Has the fever gone down? (She touches her.) Come, lets go cottage. (Charioteer comes
in hurriedness. He is panicked. He tries to convince King. He forces King to return kingdom
immediately.)
ACT IV
SHAKUNTALA 'S DEPARTURE
SCENE I
(Enter Anusuya. Priyamvada, gathering flowers.)
Anusuya. Dushyanta has gone back to the city and there he is surrounded by
hundreds of court ladies. I wonder whether he will remember poor
Shakuntala or not.
Priyamvada. You need not be anxious about that. Such handsome men are sure to
be good. But there is something else to think about. I don't know
what Father will have to say when he comes back from his
pilgrimage tomorrow and hears about it.
(Shakuntala enters and stays in one part of the stage in imagination of someone.)
Anusuya. Dear, we have gathered flowers enough for the sacrifice. But we must
make an offering to the gods that watch over Shakuntala's marriage.
(Simultaneously, two scenes are presented. In one Anusuya and Priyamvada hear whereas
Durbasa and Shakuntala act in another part of the stage. Durbasa with two/three disciple
enters into the stage being very furious.)
Durbasa: Who will bid me welcome in this pious hermit?....(He looks for someone
but he finds no one. He turns more furious)….Who is this girl? Why is she ignoring
us. (The girls in the next part of the stage start to look for Shakuntala.)
Durbasa. (towards Shakuntala) Do you dare despise a guest like me?
Because your heart, by loving fancies blinded,
Has scorned a guest in pious life grown old,
Your lover shall forget you though reminded,
Or think of you as of a story told.
(The two girls listen,show sadness and runs towards Shakuntala.)
Priyamvada. Oh, dear! The very thing has happened. The dear,
absent-minded girl has offended the great sage Durvasas

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Anusuya. Nothing burns like fire. Run, fall at his feet, bring him back, while I
am getting water and food for him.
(Priyamvada goes to Durvasa and talks, requests to give excuse to Shakuntala. In the
mean time, Anusuya brings fruits and water with hospitality to Durvasa.)
Anusuya. P l e a s e remember her former devotion and pardon this offence. Your
daughter did not recognize your great and holy power to-day-
Durvasa. My words must be fulfilled. But the curse shall be lifted when her lover
sees a gem which he has given her for a token. (Shakuntala sees her
ring. Out of gratitude three girls vow down to Durvasa.) (Durvasa and
his disciple exit) (Shakuntala and girls go out of the stage. While going)
Anusuya. How could she notice a guest when she has forgotten herself?
(Light off)

SCENE II
Dim Light. Early Morning
(Enter Hermits of Kanva's hermitage, just risen from sleep.)
Hermit 1. Father Kanva has returned from his pilgrimage to see how the king
Dushyanta has treated innocent Shakuntala shamefully.
Hermit 2. Our pure-minded girl trusted him - the traitor!
Hermit 1. How could the good king say such beautiful things, and then let
all this time pass without even sending a message?
Hermit 3. Does Kanva k n o w that Shakuntala was married to Dushyanta and
was expecting a baby.
(Kanva, followed by Shakuntala, Gautami, and two disciple comes talking )
Sharngarava and Sharadvata (towards Kanva). We will not forget your message, Father.
Gautami. Oh, what shall we do?
Kanva. (towards Shakuntala) My child, This very day I shall
give you an escort of hermits and send you to your husband.
(Kanva instructs Gautami, worthy hermits Sharngarava and Sharadvata t o escort
Shakuntala. Gautami enters cottage, and brings clothes and basket)
Priyamvada (behind the scene). Hurry, Anusuya, hurry! Shakuntala is going to
Hastinapura. (Enter Anusuya and other Hermit mothers with materials
for the ceremony.)
Shakuntala. (vows in front of her mother and other women ) Holy women, I
salute you.
Gautami. My child, may you receive the happy title - queen- showing that your
husband honours you.
Hermit-women. My dear, may you become the mother of a hero.
Shakuntala. (going towards her friends) Shall I ever be adorned by my friends again?

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 (She weeps.)
Priyamvada/ Anusuya. You ought not to weep, dear, at this happy time. (They wipe
the tears away and adorn her.)
Anusuya (do so). Dear, if the good king should perhaps be slow to recognize you,
show him the ring with his own name engraved on it.
Kanva. Shakuntala must go to-day; I miss her now at heart;
I dare not speak a loving word; Or choking tears will start.
My eyes are dim with anxious thought; (He walks about.)
Gautami. My child, here is your father. The eyes with which he seems
to embrace you are overflowing with tears of joy. You must greet him
properly. (Shakuntala makes a shamefaced reverence.)
Kanva. My child, May you bear a kingly son Like Puru, who shall rule the
earth.
(Kanva takes Shakuntala with him to worship their family god, offers him flowers)
Kanva. Now you may start, my daughter. (He glances about Shakuntala going.)
Shakuntala. (remembers something and returns) Father, there is the pregnant doe,
wandering about near the cottage. When she becomes a happy mother,
you must send someone to bring me the good news. Do not forget.
Kanva. I shall not forget, my child.
Shakuntala (falling at his feet). Farewell, Father.
Kanva. My daughter, may all that come to you which I desire for you.

(Deer comes towards Shakuntala and follows her. She tries to send her back but still
denies)
Shakuntala. My dear, why should you follow me when I am going away from
home? Your mother died when you were born and I brought you up.
Now I am leaving you, and Father Kanva will take care of you. Go
back, dear! Go back! (She walks away, weeping. Deer goes to Kanva)
(Exit Shakuntala, with Gautami and Two disciples)

Anusuya. My dear, there is not a living thing in the whole hermitage that is not
grieving t o-day at saying good-bye to you.
Priyamvada/ Anusuya (gazing long after her. Mournfully). Oh, oh! Shakuntala is
lost among the trees.
Kanva. Anusuya! Priyamvada! Your companion is gone. Choke down your
grief and follow me. (They start to go back.)
Priyamvada/ Anusuya. Father, the grove seems empty without Shakuntala.

Shakuntala pg. 13 Chelsea International Academy

 ACT V
SHAKUNTALA'S REJECTION
(The King, Clown, the General, and other royal people are in the palace. Two poets are ready to recite
poems in praise of the King.)
Two court poets. Victory to your Majesty.
First poet. The world you daily guard and bless,
Not heeding pain or weariness;
Thus is your nature made.
A tree will brave the noonday, when
The sun is fierce, that weary men
May rest beneath its shade.
Second poet.Vice bows before the royal rod;
Strife ceases at your kingly nod;
You are our strong defender.
Friends come to all whose wealth is sure,
But you, alike to rich and poor,
Are friend both strong and tender.
King (listening). Strange! I was wearied by the demands of my office,
but this renews my spirit.

(The third poet is reciting the poem but that is just visually seen. From one corner of the stage,
Chamberlain comes and sees the king occupied by work. He talks alone)
Chamberlain (sighing). Alas! To what a state am I reduced! …
….. ….. The king is within… I will tell him of the urgent business which
demands his attention. (He takes a few steps.) But what is the business?
(He recalls it.) Yes, I remember. Certain hermits, pupils of Kanva,
desire to see his Majesty. (He shows the wistfulness that comes from
unremembered things.)
Chamberlain (approaching). Victory to your Majesty. Here are hermits who bring
women
with them, and they carry a message from Kanva. What is your pleasure
with regard to them? (Three poets are send away)
King (sends Chamberlain to bring Hermits to palace). Hermits? Accompanied by
women? From Kanva?
(King talks to royal members. After a while, Shakuntala in veil and others follow Chamberlain)
Shakuntala (observing an evil omen). Oh, why does my right eye throb?
Gautami. Heaven avert the omen. My child, May happiness wait upon you.
Shakuntala pg. 14 Chelsea International Academy
 (They walk about. Chamberlain indicates the king about arrival of
hermits.)

King (talking to Clown, observing Shakuntala). Ah! Who is she, shrouded in the veil
Clown. Your Majesty, she is well worth looking at.
King. Enough! I must not gaze upon another's wife.

Chamberlain (advancing to interfere talk of clown and king). Hail, your Majesty. The hermits
have a message from their teacher. May you be pleased to hear it.
King (respectfully). I am all attention.
The two pupils (raising their right hands). Victory, O King.
King. What are Father Kanva's commands?
Sharngarava. He says: "Since you have met this my daughter and have married her, I
give
you my glad consent. For You are the best of worthy men. She is with
child.
Take her and live with her in virtue."
King. You cannot mean that this young woman is my wife.
Shakuntala (sadly). Oh, my heart, you feared it, and now it has come.
Sharngarava. O King, A king – drunk with power, and shrink when love is
done, Turn coward's back on truth, and flee!
King. What means this dreadful accusation?
Gautami (to Shakuntala). Forget your shame, my child. I will remove
your veil. Then your husband will recognise you. (She does so. King looks at
Shakuntala and gets lost)
Sharadvata. Have you nothing to say, O King?
King. Hermit, I have taken thought. I cannot believe that this woman
is my wife. She is plainly with child. How can I take her, confessing
myself an adulterer?
Sharadvata. Enough. Shakuntala, we have said what we were sent to say.
You hear his words. Answer him.
Shakuntala. Very well. If you have acted so because you really fear to
touch another man's wife, I will remove your doubts with a token you
gave me.
King. An excellent idea!
Shakuntala (touching her finger). Oh, oh! The ring is lost. (She looks sadly at Gautami.)
Gautami. My child, you worshipped the holy Ganges at the spot
where Indra descended. The ring must have fallen there.

Shakuntala pg. 15 Chelsea International Academy

King. Ready wit, ready wit!
It is just such women, selfish, sweet, false, that entice fools.
Gautami. You have no right to say that. She grew up in the pious
grove. She does not know how to deceive.
King. Old Hermit Woman. Dushyanta's conduct is known to the whole
kingdom, but not this action.
Shakuntala. Well, well. I had my way. I trusted a king, and put myself in his hands. He
had a honey face and a heart of stone. (She covers her face with her dress and
weeps.) ( w e e p i n g ) O mother earth, give me a grave!
Clown. Why do you trust this girl, and accuse our King of an imaginary
crime?
Voices behind the scenes. A miracle! A miracle! Oh my God. Can you see that?
King (listening). What does this mean? (Enter Charioteer and Chamberlain)
Chamberlain (in amazement). Your Majesty, a wonderful thing has
happened. When Kanva's pupils had departed, that young girl tossed her
arms, lamented her plight, Accused her crushing fate -
King. What then?
Charioteer. Before our eyes a heavenly light, In woman's form, but shining bright,
Seized her and vanished straight. (Out of astonishment. They see each other). Never
saw such incident in my life.

ACT VI
SEPARATION FROM SHAKUNTALA
SCENE 1
(Enter the chief of police holding ring in his hand, investigates, two policemen holds tightly a
fisherman and fisherwoman with their hands bound behind his back.)
Fisherman (showing fright). Be merciful, kind gentlemen. I am not guilty of such a
crime. (First policeman slaps the fisherman and asks to accept that he
stole the ring)
Fisherwoman. Listen, please. We live on the Ganges, at the spot where Indra came
down….
Second policeman. You thief, we didn't ask for your address or your social position.
(Chief Policeman suggests policemen to stop and asks fisherman to tell truth.)
Fisherman. I support my family with things you catch fish with - nets, you know,
and hooks, and things.
Chief. Go on. Go on.
Fisherwoman. Well, one day he was cutting up a carp. In its maw we see this ring
with the magnificent great gem.

Shakuntala pg. 16 Chelsea International Academy

F i s h e r m a n : And then I was just trying to sell it here when you kind gentlemen
grabbed me. That is the only way I got it. … … Now kill me, or find
fault with me.
Chief (smelling the ring). There is no doubt about it. It has been in a fish's maw.
It has the real perfume of raw meat. Now we have to find out how
he got it. I will talk to King.
Fisherman. (pleads) Don't kill a man without any reason, master.
(After a while, Chief followed by Charioteer return)
Charioteer. Release him. You, release the fishnet fellow. (Policemen release the
fisherman.)
Fisherman (bowing low to the chief). Master, I owe you my life. (He falls at his
feet. Chief gives him ornaments as reward.)
First Policeman. Chief, the reward shows that the king thought a lot of the ring.
Second Policeman. The gem must be worth something.
Chief. No, it wasn't the fine gem that pleased the king. It was this way.
The Two Policemen. Well?
Chief. I think, when the king saw it, he remembered somebody he loves. You
know as soon as he saw it, he broke down for a moment.
Fisherwoman. Take half of it, masters,
Fisherman. Yes, to pay for something to drink.
Charioteer. ( I n t e r f e r e s ) Fisherman, now you are the biggest and best friend.
I've got. You don't know how much you have done for this kingdom. (Exit. )

SCENE II.-The Palace

(There is no one in the throne of king. Two Maids with weavers in hand are taking break in the absence of
king. Enter Mishrakeshi and sees two women working in the palace, women are talking to each other and
doing some works.)
Mishrakeshi. I n v i s i b l e . . . I n v i s i b l e . ( l a u g h s ) N ow I will see what this
king is doing after rejecting my Shakuntala. Shakuntala is like a second
self to me, because she is the daughter of m y f r i e n d , Menaka. (She
looks about.) It is the day of the spring festival. But I see no
preparations for a celebration at this palace. Good! I will stand near
these girls and I shall find out what is happening here.
(Two maids laugh loud as Chamberlain said something very funny to them)

Chamberlain (to himself). It is in everybody's mouth. Why should I not tell it?
(Aloud.) Have you heard the gossip concerning Shakuntala's rejection?
The two maids. Yes, sir.
M a i d 1 : The king's brother-in-law told us, up to the point where the K i n g ' s
Shakuntala pg. 17 Chelsea International Academy
 ring was recovered.
Chamberlain. There is little more to tell. When his Majesty saw the ring, he
remembered that he had indeed contracted a secret marriage with
Shakuntala, and had rejected her under a delusion. And then he fell a prey
to remorse. He hates the things he loved; he spends sleepless nights in
tossing
on his bed.
Mishrakeshi. I am glad to hear it.
Chamberlain. His Majesty's sorrow has forbidden the festival.
The two maids. It is only right.
A voice behind the scenes. Follow me.
Chamberlain (listening). Ah, his Majesty approaches. Go, and attend to your
duties. (the two maids go back to their proper position. Enter the king,
wearing a dress indicative of remorse; the clown, and the portress. King
dislikes women weaving fans to him. He disallows them to give him
luxury.)
Chamberlain (observing the king). A beautiful figure charms in whatever state. Thus, his
Majesty is pleasing even in his sorrow.
Mishrakeshi (observing the king). No wonder Shakuntala pines for him, even though he
dishonoured her by his rejection of her. (King walks about slowly, sunk in
thought).
Clown (to himself). He has got his Shakuntala-sickness again. I wish I knew how
to cure him.
Chamberlain (advancing). Victory to your Majesty. ( E x i t C h a m b e r l a i n )

King (sighing). My friend, the proverb makes no mistake. Misfortune finds the
weak spot.
Clown. But, man, this isn't right at all. A good man never lets grief get the upper
hand.
The mountains are calm even in a tempest...Your Majesty.
King. My friend, I am quite lonely. I keep thinking of her pitiful state when I
rejected her. When I denied her, then she gave a tear-dimmed glance to
heartless me that arrow burns me poisonously.
Mishrakeshi. (sympathy upon king) How his fault pains him!
Clown. Well, I don't doubt it was some heavenly being that carried her away.
King. Who else would dare to touch a faithful wife? Her friends told me that
Menaka was her mother. My heart persuades me that it was she, or
companions of hers, who carried Shakuntala away.
Mishrakeshi. (laughs) His madness was wonderful, not his awakening reason.
Shakuntala pg. 18 Chelsea International Academy
King (looking at the ring). This ring deserves pity. It has fallen from a heaven
hard
to earn. (laughs mysteriously) You clutched her pink-nailed finger. How
could you fall?
Mishrakeshi. If it were worn on any other hand, it would deserve pity.
My dear girl, you are far away. I am the only one to hear these
delightful words.
Clown. Tell me how you put the ring on her finger.
Mishrakeshi. He speaks as if prompted by my curiosity.
King. Listen, my friend. When I left the pious grove for the city, my
darling wept and said: But how long will you remember us, dear?
Clown. And then you said-
King. Then I put this engraved ring on her finger, and said to her-
Clown. Well, what?
King. Count every day one letter of my name Before you reach the end, dear,
Will come to lead you to my palace halls
A guide whom I shall send, dear.
Then, through my madness, it fell out cruelly.
King (not hearing Clown trying to say something, scolds ring).
How could you fail to linger
On her soft, tapering finger,
And in the water fall?
Clown. But that is no reason why you should starve to death. Suffer…
King (not pay attention to clown). O my darling, my heart burns with repentance
because I abandoned you without reason. Take pity on me. Let me see
you again.
I treated her with scorn …
A traveller I, who scorned the mighty river,
And seeks in the mirage to quench his thirst.
Mishrakeshi. (sympathetic) Love works a curious change even in a brave man.
King. Alas! The ancestors of Dushyanta are in a doubtful case. For I am childless.
A voice behind the scenes. Help, help!
King. The Brahman's voice seems really changed by fear. Who waits without?
(Enter the chamberlain.)
Chamberlain. Your Majesty commands?
King. See why poor Madhavya is screaming so.
Chamberlain. I will see. (He goes out, and returns trembling.)
Chamberlain. Save your friend, O King!

Shakuntala pg. 19 Chelsea International Academy

King. From what?
Chamberlain. From great danger.
King. What has happened there?
Chamberlain. While Madhavya was resting Balcony of the palace, he seemed to be
Snatched up by what, we could not see.
King (rising quickly). My very palace is invaded by evil creatures. To be a king,
is to be a disappointed man.
The clown. Hurry, hurry!
King (hears the voice and quickens his steps). Have no fear, my friend.
The clown. Have no fear! When something has got me by the back of
the neck and is trying to break my bones like a piece of sugar-cane!
King (looks about). Bring my sharpest sword! a bow and arrows! (Enter a woman with
a
sword, bow and arrows and gives to king. The king takes the bow and arrows.)
King (angrily). He scorns me too! In one moment, miserable demon, you shall die.
The Clown's voice. Save me, save me! I am a mouse in the claws of the cat.
King. You are proud of your invisibility. But shall not my arrow see you? Stand

still. Do not hope to escape by clinging to my friend.

My arrow, flying when the bow is bent,
Shall slay the wretch and spare the innocent.
(He takes aim. Enter Matali and the clown.)
Matali. O King, as Indra, king of the gods, commands,
Seek foes among the evil powers alone;
For them your bow should bend;
Not cruel shafts, but glances soft and kind
Should fall upon a friend.
King (hastily withdrawing the arrow). It is Matali. Welcome to the
charioteer of heaven's king.
Clown. Well! He came within an inch of butchering me. And you
welcome him.
Matali (smiling). Hear, O King, for what purpose Indra sends me to
you. There is a host of demons who call themselves Invincible-the
brood of Kalanemi. Heaven's king, Indra is powerless; you shall smite his
foes
in battle soon;
Please, take your bow at once, enter my heavenly chariot, and set
forth
for victory.
Shakuntala pg. 20 Chelsea International Academy
King. I am grateful for the honour which Indra shows me. But why
did you act thus toward Madhavya?
Matali. I will tell you. I saw that you were overpowered by some
inner sorrow, and acted thus to rouse you.
Brave men are roused to fighting mood
By some insulting word.
King. Friend Madhavya, I must obey the request of heaven's king.
A distant goal Calls me, and tasks sublime.
(King instructs Clown to take care of the kingdom. M at al i an d Ki ng Exit.)

ACT VII

A voice behind the scenes. Don't! You mustn't be so foolhardy. Oh, you are always the
same. (A small boy, Bharata is playing with a tiger/club. He tries to control
club but it denies. So, he tries to overcome it.)
First Woman. This boy is rightly nicknamed "All-Tamer". He can control everyone.
Second Woman. Stop my boy. Don't harm them.
(Lion/ Club forcefully escapes from the boy. The boy follows it.)
(Enter, the king and Matali.)
King (reverently). I must not neglect the happy chance to visit this hermitage of ancient
sage. I cannot go farther until I have walked humbly on this holy place.
Matali. It is a worthy thought, O King. This is the place where holiest hermits lead
their self-denying life.
King. Here is deeper contentment than in heaven. I seem plunged in a pool of
nectar.
Matali. (He turns to the king.) Wait here, O King, in the shade of the Ashoka tree, till

I have announced your coming to the sire of Indra.

King. Very well. (Exit Matali) No naughtiness could feel at home in this spot. Who

draws such a rebuke upon himself?

(The boy drags struggling lion/ club's body and makes sound to enter on the stage. He
looks the way to count teeth of it. King looks towards the sound.)
King. (In surprise) It is a child, but no child in strength.
(Two Hermit mothers come to separate the child from lion/club )
King: And two hermit-women are trying to control him but still he is trying to
tame
Shakuntala pg. 21 Chelsea International Academy
 this animal.

Bharat. Open your mouth, cub. I want to count your teeth.

First woman. Naughty boy, why do you torment our pets? They are like children to

us.

King. Why should my heart go out to this boy as if he were my own son?
(He reflects.) No doubt my childless state makes me sentimental.

Second woman. The lioness will spring at you if you don't let her baby go.
Bharata (smiling). Oh, I'm dreadfully scared. (He bites his lip.)
King (in surprise). The boy is seed of fire, when it grows, will burn;

First woman. Let the little lion go, dear. I will give you another plaything.
Bharata. Where is it? Give it to me. (He stretches out his hand.) Meanwhile I'll play
with this one.
First/second woman (looks and laughs). Let him go.
Second woman (She looks about and sees the King) please come here and free this lion
cub. The little rascal is tormenting him, and I cannot make him let go.
King. Very well. (He approaches, smiling.) O little son of a great sage!
Your conduct in this place apart, Is most unfit;
It would grieve your father's pious heart. (The boy stops)
Second Woman. But, sir, he is not the son of a hermit.
King. So it would seem, both from his looks and his actions. But in this spot, I

had no suspicion of anything else. (caressing the boy). Mother, if he is not

the son of a hermit, what is his family?
Second Woman. The family of Puru.
King (to himself). He is of one family with me! (Aloud) But how could human beings,
of their own mere motion, attain this spot?
Second Woman. The boy's mother was related to a nymph. Her husband rejected her.
So,
nymph took the woman here. She bore her son in the pious grove of the
father
of the gods.
King (Lost to himself) This story points at me. Then could my thought be true?
(Aloud.) What was the name of the good king whose wife she was?
Second woman. Who would speak his name? He rejected his true wife.
Shakuntala pg. 22 Chelsea International Academy
 (The k i n g s e e s B h a r a t ' s amulet not on his arm. He picks up despite woman trying
to stop that. Astonished, two women lay their hands on their bosoms, and look at each
other.)
King. Why did you try to prevent me?
First woman. Listen, your Majesty. This is a divine and most potent charm. If it
falls
on the ground, no one may touch it except the boy's parents or the boy
himself.
King. And if another touch it?
First woman. It becomes a serpent and stings him.
Boy. Let me go. I want to see my mother.
King. My son, you shall go with me to greet your mother.
Boy. Dushyanta is my father, not you.
(Enter Shakuntala, wearing her hair in a single braid.)
Shakuntala (doubtfully). I have heard that All-tamer's amulet did not
Change into serpent when it should have done so (She walks about.)
King (looking at Shakuntala. With plaintive joy). It is she. It is Shakuntala.
Shakuntala (seeing the king pale with remorse. Doubtfully). Who is the man that soils
my boy with his caresses? The amulet should protect him.
Boy (running to his mother). Mother, he is a man that he calls me his son.
King. My darling, I r e g r e t the cruelty I showed you unknowingly.
Will you not recognize me?
Shakuntala (to herself). Oh, my heart, believe it. Fate struck hard, but its
envy is gone and pity takes its place. It is my husband.
King. Black madness flies; and Comes m y memory to remember you.
Shakuntala. Victory, victo- (Tears choke her utterance.)
Boy. Who is he, mother?
Shakuntala. Ask fate, my child. (She weeps.)
King. Dear, graceful wife, forget; Let the sin vanish;… (King Falls on floor)
Shakuntala. Rise, my dear husband. Surely, it was some old sin of
mine that broke my happiness-though it has turned again to happiness.
Otherwise, how could you, dear, have acted so? You are so kind. (The
king rises.) But what brought back the memory of your suffering wife?
(King takes out ring and gives to Shakuntala. She sees more clearly and discovers the
ring).
(Enter Matali)
Matali. I congratulate you, O King, on reunion with your wife and on seeing the
face
of your son. (smiling) Come. Marichi's holy son, Kashyapa, wishes to see

Shakuntala pg. 23 Chelsea International Academy

 you. (Kashyapa appears with Aditi.)
Kashyapa (looking at the king). Aditi, It is King Dushyanta, he who goes before
Your son in battle, and who rules the earth,
Whose bow makes Indra's weapon seem no more
Than a fine plaything, lacking sterner worth.
Aditi. His valour might be inferred from his appearance.
King (falling before them). Dushyanta, servant of Indra, does reverence to you both.
Kashyapa. My son, rule the earth long.
Aditi. And be invincible. (Shakuntala and her son fall at their feet.)
Kashyapa. My daughter, Your husband equals Indra, king
Of gods; your son is like his son;
No further blessing need I bring:
Aditi. My child, a nd may this fine boy be an honour to the families of both
parents.
King. Holy one, I married this your maid-servant by the voluntary
ceremony. When my memory failed and I rejected her. In so doing, I
sinned against Kanva, who is kin to you. But afterwards, when I saw the
ring, I perceived that I had married her.
Kashyapa. My son, do not accuse yourself of sin. Your infatuation was inevitable.
Listen. When the nymph Menaka descended to earth and received Shakuntala,

afflicted at her rejection, she came to Aditi. Then I perceived the matter
by
my divine insight. I saw that the unfortunate girl had been rejected by her
rightful husband because of Durvasas' curse. And that the curse would end
when the ring came to light.
King (with a sigh of relief. To himself). Then I am free from blame.
Shakuntala (to herself). Thank heaven! My husband did not reject me of his own accord.
(Kashyapa holds Bharata with affections and foresights )
Kashyapa. Know then that his courage will make him emperor.
Journeying over every sea,
His car will travel easily;
The seven islands of the earth
Will bow before his matchless worth;
Because wild beasts to him were tame,
All-tamer was his common name;
As Bharata he shall be known,
For he will bear the world alone.
King/Shakunta. I anticipate everything from him, since you have performed the
Shakuntala pg. 24 Chelsea International Academy
 rites for him.
(Kanva, Gautami, Priyamvada, Anusuya, all Hermits come together)
SHAKUNTALA
ON STAGE
King: Kripananda Jha
Shakuntala: Srasta Ghimire
Bharata:
Charioteer: Fayez Hoda
Clown (Madhavya): Milan Raj Paswan
Anusuya: Aarzoo Nepal
Priyamvada: Kripali Sharma
Durbasa: Swarnim Abiral Koirala
Kanva: Prayas Tiwari
Gautami: Ojaswini Shah
Matali:
Mishakeshi:
Kashyapa:
Aditi:
Fisherman:
Fisherwoman:
Chief of Police:
General: Ejip Rana Magar
Karabhaka: Nischal Bhatta
Sharnagarava: Binik Magar
Sharadvata: Pratyug Khanal
Deer: Bishal Bhatta
Lion:
Bee:
2 Caretaker women:

Act 1:
Hermit 4 (only two Speak) Voice of Villagers:
Hermit 1- Sachin Khanal Male-
Hermit 2- Sadikshya Shrestha Female-

Act 2:
Door Keeper 1:
Door Keeper 2:
Shakuntala pg. 25 Chelsea International Academy
 Leader of Hermits: Pratik Maharjan
Hermits: Neha Bogati, Sneha Shree Sapkota

Act 3:
Hermit 5 (all speaks)
Hermits – Sadikshya Shrestha, Neha Bogati, Sneha Shree Sapkota, Sachin Khanal,
Pratik Maharjan
Evil Powers to fight against King:

Act 4:
(Scene 1) (Ns) 2/3 Hermits/Pupils behind Durbasa:

(Scene 2) 3 Hermits of Kanva:

2 Hermit women next to Gautami:

Act 5:
First Poet:
Second Poet:
Third Poet: (Ns)
(Ns) Two Girls to support the king:
(Ns) Two Guards to Hold King's symbols:

Act 6:
Two Policemen to hold fisherman:
Two Attendants:

Act 7:
All Hermits gather together and remain at the back of stage:

Shakuntala pg. 26 Chelsea International Academy

KALIDASA'S

SHAKUNTALA

Chelsea International Academy

Baneshwor, Kathmandu

Shakuntala pg. 27 Chelsea International Academy