Translations of Shakuntala: And Other Works

Regarded as the most important figure in the Classical Sanskrit literary canon, Kalidasa was a poet and playwright who likely lived in the fifth century AD. This collection brings together some of Kalidasa's most well-regarded dramatic works, including the timeless story of Shakuntala, a beautiful maiden who was abandoned at birth and raised in a remote hermitage. Though she later enchants a powerful king who desires to take the young woman as his bride, Shakuntala must overcome a series of obstacles before she can reign as queen.