Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c10.s2.t18.23

v2.c10.s2.t18.23

*Sakuntala* (or *Shakuntala*, full name: the *Recognition of Shakuntala*) is a seven-act love story, a masterpiece of Kalidasa and the greatest classic of Sanskrit dramas. It is Kalidasa's longest drama, and is written when he was at the height of his literary production. He has devoted all passion and talent to this play, and a normal length no doubt could not satisfy his needs. The play contains nearly 40 characters and 200 verses. This passionate play is a truly poetic drama. It is about a legendary story in ancient India, already told in the epic *Mahabharata* and further refined in the *Padma-purana*. With Kalidasa's innovation, this story turns to be far more amazing.