Appointment with Kalidasa

Author(s): G K Bhatt
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 52

Literary Works
39
the full explanation, including of the curse that caused the separation, gives his blessings to the couple and their son and predicts great prosperity and happiness for them.
The dramatic skill of Kālidāsa and his poetic abilities appear to have come to a luxurious blossoming in the Sakuntala. The construction of the play is beautifully. designed, logical, dramatically suggestive and suffused with the charm of poetry. The characters are neatly matched and contrasted, have an individuality of their own, and speak naturally. Nature is presented not only with its wealth and varied charm but also is, in this play, a living character in tune with the emotional life of man. The enticing atmosphere of nature, beautiful dailogue that speaks the hearts of characters, the fabric of the play steeped in graceful poetry, the delightful variety of sentiments like joy, sorrow, despair, laughter, love of young people and for child and nature, wonder and marvel : these make the Sakuntala a triumph of literary creation. The deep sorrow and endurance of the earth and the dreamy happiness of the heaven seem to be combined in the Sakuntala. As Goethe felt, it is a union of earth and heaven. Kalidasa too must have felt that he had created the work of his life; otherwise, he would not have prayed to Siva to grant him salvation at the conclusion of the play,