Q.- Comment on the dramatic function of the ring in the play “Abhigyan Sakunthalam”.
Ans : The ring in Abhijnan Shakuntalam plays a crucial symbolic and dramatic role, acting as a key object that drives the plot forward and serves as a medium for recognition. Its significance is multifaceted, linking the themes of identity, memory, and fate in the play.
1. Symbol of Love and Commitment : At the heart of the ring’s significance is its association with the love and commitment between King Dushyanta and Shakuntala. When they first meet, Dushyanta gives Shakuntala a ring as a token of his affection and promises to return for her. This ring symbolizes his love and the bond they share. It acts as a physical representation of their marriage and vows, a promise of a future together. It is more than just a piece of jewelry; it is a symbol of the emotional connection they form during their brief time together in the forest.
2. The Curse and Forgetfulness : The ring becomes even more significant when Dushyanta forgets Shakuntala due to the curse by Sage Durvasa. When Shakuntala presents the ring to remind him of their marriage, he fails to recognize it. The ring thus becomes a tragic symbol of forgotten love and a catalyst for the suffering of both characters. Dushyanta’s inability to recall his marriage despite holding the ring emphasizes his temporary loss of identity and memory, and the emotional impact this forgetfulness has on Shakuntala. The ring, in this sense, becomes a reminder of what has been lost due to external forces, reflecting the play’s theme of the unpredictability of fate.
3. The Moment of Recognition : The dramatic function of the ring comes to the forefront when Dushyanta finally recognizes Shakuntala. The ring is a key element in restoring memory and identity. When the ring is found by the fisherman, it serves as proof of Shakuntala’s story. The reappearance of the ring marks the turning point in the drama, as it triggers the recognition (abhijnan) of Shakuntala’s true identity and her rightful position as his wife. This recognition leads to the emotional climax of the play and the reunion of the couple. In this way, the ring plays a central role in the resolution of the plot and in the emotional journey of the characters.
4. Fate and Divine Intervention : On a deeper level, the ring also symbolizes the intervention of fate and the divine. The curse, the forgetfulness, and the ring’s eventual reappearance all point to the influence of higher powers on human affairs. The ring’s reappearance is not merely a coincidence but a sign of divine grace and the natural course of events that leads to the restoration of justice and truth.Conclusion: In conclusion, the ring in Abhijnan Shakuntalam serves as both a symbol of love and commitment and a dramatic device that drives the plot forward. It represents the power of memory and recognition, while also highlighting the themes of fate and divine intervention. Through the ring, Kalidasa illustrates the importance of identity and the eventual triumph of love over adversity, making it a central object in the play’s dramatic structure and thematic exploration.
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