Vada in Theory and Practice: Studies in Debates, Dialogues and Discussions in Indian Intellectual Discourses c6.s3.39

c6.s3.39

Like the debate started by Draupadī after the game of dice between Yudhiṣṭhira and Duryodhana, the war of words between Śakuntala and Duṣṣanta here is conceived as a debate on morality and human weaknesses. Śakuntalā delivers a discourse on sin, human destiny and relations between the father and the son. The arrogant king behaves in a most outlandish manner and abuses her in filthy language. He laughs at her, calling her an unchaste woman, doting upon her illicit relations. Śakuntalā’s remarks on the character of men here bring out a minute study of inner contradictions of a man’s character. She is all set to depart with the promise that one day her son, trained to be a mighty warrior, will take her revenge and Duṣṣanta will have to pay for his sins. At this juncture, a divine intervention, as an *ākāśavāṇī* (voice from heaven), forces the king to change his stance and accept her.