Kalidasa Abhijnana Shakuntalam

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Kalidāsa’s Abhijnānaśākuntalam
• Author: Kālidāsa
• Editor: Alka Tyagi
• ISBN-13: 9788119922079
• Pages: 214
• Edition: First Published 2005; Reprint 2026
• Binding: Paperback
• Genre: Literature & Fiction > Indian Classical Literature > Sanskrit Drama > Literary Criticism & Translation Studies
• Recommended Age Group: Undergraduate Students, Postgraduate Students & Adult Readers (16+ years)
• Reading Difficulty: Advanced
• Estimated Reading Time to Finish: 7–9 hours
• Price: ₹445.00/-

Description

Kalidāsa’s Abhijnānaśākuntalam, edited and introduced by Alka Tyagi, is a scholarly yet accessible edition of one of the most celebrated works of classical Sanskrit drama. Designed especially for students of English literature, Indian writing, translation studies, and classical Indian aesthetics, this volume brings together contextual material, the dramatic text, critical essays, and interpretive dimensions that help readers engage deeply with Kālidāsa’s masterpiece.

The book situates Abhijnānaśākuntalam within the wider tradition of Sanskrit drama and Indian literary culture, offering background on dramatic conventions, rasa, characterization, and the enduring significance of Śakuntalā’s story. The contextual section introduces readers to the beginnings and precepts of Sanskrit drama, Kālidāsa’s poetic craft, the recognition motif, roles within the play, and the emotional awakening central to its aesthetic experience.

Beyond the primary text, the volume includes critical dimensions by distinguished scholars, exploring Śakuntalā as a hermitage dweller, metaphor in Kālidāsa’s dramatic imagination, resonances within the play, dramatic adjustments, and the relationship between Nāṭyaśāstra and Abhijnānaśākuntalam. These essays broaden the reader’s understanding of the play as both a literary classic and a cultural text.

With its blend of introduction, textual study, criticism, and appendix material, this edition is particularly useful for university courses and independent study. It enables readers to appreciate the poetic charm, dramatic structure, philosophical undertones, and aesthetic richness that have made Abhijnānaśākuntalam a landmark of Indian and world literature.

Key Features

• Scholarly edition of Kālidāsa’s classic Sanskrit drama.
• Edited and introduced by Alka Tyagi for academic readers.
• Includes contextual essays on Sanskrit drama and rasa theory.
• Explores Kālidāsa’s poetic style and dramatic imagination.
• Useful for English literature and Indian writing courses.
• Features critical essays by noted scholars and critics.
• Covers themes of recognition, love, memory, and destiny.
• Supports undergraduate and postgraduate literary study.
• Includes appendix and interpretive study material.
• Ideal for translation studies and classical Indian literature.

Manufacturer Details

• Manufacturer: Doaba Publications
• Published by: AUMRAM Publications
• For and on behalf of: Doaba Publications
• Address: Shanti Mohan House, 16 Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi – 110002
• Email: care@doababooks.com
• Websites: www.doabapublications.com | www.doababooks.com
• Typeset at: Doaba Graphics, Delhi
• Year: 2026