Summary

The lesson Shakuntalam is an extract from Kalidasa’s classical Sanskrit play Abhijnana Shakuntalam, which beautifully portrays the harmony between humans and nature in ancient India.

The scene begins with King Dushyanta chasing a deer during a hunt. He shoots arrows but soon hears a warning voice from hermits, asking him not to kill the animal because it belongs to their hermitage. Immediately, the King stops his chariot and obeys them. This shows his respect for sages and compassion for innocent creatures.

The hermits praise him for his noble deed and invite him to visit the hermitage of Sage Kanva, where Shakuntala, the sage’s foster daughter, looks after the sacred grove in her father’s absence. The King accepts the invitation and proceeds toward the hermitage.

On reaching there, Dushyanta tells his charioteer not to make noise because it is a holy place. He removes his royal ornaments and bows before the calm beauty of the forest. He notices how peacefully birds, animals, and humans live together — rice grains dropped by parrots, almond oil stones used by hermits, and tame deer that don’t fear people.

Soon, he hears voices of young women and hides to watch. They are Shakuntala and her two friends, Anasuya and Priyamvada, watering the plants. Shakuntala is gentle and affectionate toward the trees, calling them her sisters. She treats them as living beings that need love and care. Her friends tease her and say Sage Kanva loves the trees more than her.

When Shakuntala goes near a mango tree, she says it seems to be calling her with its moving branches. Her friends compare her to a jasmine vine clinging to the strong mango tree — symbolising beauty and grace united with strength. Dushyanta, watching them secretly, is struck by Shakuntala’s beauty and kindness.

Later, Shakuntala notices that the spring creeper has blossomed out of season, which her friends jokingly take as a sign that she will be married soon. The scene ends playfully as a bee chases Shakuntala, and her friends ask her to call upon King Dushyanta for help — foreshadowing their future love story.

Through this scene, Kalidasa shows the beauty of nature, human compassion, and the spiritual simplicity of hermitage life.

Textual Question–Answers

a. “Fear shrinks to half the body small.” Explain.

The King observes that the deer, out of fear, has shrunk its body while trying to escape. The line beautifully describes the animal’s frightened posture.

b. “I can hardly keep him in sight.” Why does the King say so?

The King says this because the deer is running very fast, leaping so high that it seems to fly, making it difficult for him to follow it.

c. What is the ‘tender form’ of the deer compared to?

The deer’s delicate body is compared to a blossom that perishes in fire — fragile and innocent.

d. What is the hermit’s request to Dushyanta?

The hermit requests the King not to kill the deer because it belongs to the hermitage and killing such a harmless creature would be a sin.

e. The hermits refer to Dushyanta as “a shining example of kings.” Why?

They call him so because he listens to their plea, spares the deer’s life, and shows compassion and humility — qualities of a noble king.

f. What aspect of the King’s character is revealed when he says, “We must not disturb the hermitage”?

It shows that he is respectful, self-controlled, and aware of the sanctity of sacred places.

g. Whose voice does the King hear to the right of the grove?

He hears the voices of Shakuntala and her two friends, Anasuya and Priyamvada.

h. “We shall not be working for a reward,” says Priyamvada. What does she mean?

She means they should water even those trees that have already flowered, not for any benefit or beauty, but out of pure love and duty.

i. Shakuntala feels that the mango tree is trying to tell her something. Do you think nature communicates with us? How?

Yes. Nature communicates through signs — the movement of trees, the sound of wind, the call of birds. Sensitive people like Shakuntala can understand these silent messages.

j. The jasmine vine, mango tree, and Shakuntala blend in a unified image. Have you come across works of art showing humans in harmony with nature?

Yes. Many paintings and poems, like Wordsworth’s Daffodils or Ravi Varma’s nature-themed art, show humans as part of nature’s beauty and balance.

k. What unseasonal quality of the spring creeper does Shakuntala notice?

She notices that it has bloomed fully with buds down to the root, even though it is not the flowering season — a symbol of fertility and happiness.

Let’s Rewind – Answers

Describe the King’s change in attitude after meeting the hermits.

After meeting the hermits, Dushyanta changes from a hunter to a humble and gentle man. He puts away his bow, respects the sages, and learns to admire life in the hermitage.
What would have prompted Sage Kanva to leave the hermitage under Shakuntala’s supervision?

Because Shakuntala is responsible, kind, and capable of managing the hermitage lovingly like her father.
How does the King guess that there is a hermitage nearby?

He sees signs like rice grains dropped by parrots, oil stones, and tame deer — all symbols of a peaceful hermitage.
How are the plants and trees treated by the inmates of the hermitage?

They treat the plants and trees with love and respect, watering and caring for them as if they were family members.
Pick out instances from the play that show harmony among all beings.

– The King sparing the deer’s life.

– Shakuntala nurturing the trees.

– The deer feeling safe near humans.

– The hermits living peacefully with animals.

Excellent — I’ll now prepare all the activities (1 to 6) from the lesson “Shakuntalam” by Kalidasa in full, detailed, mistake-free, and activity-file-ready format (without any missing points).

The language will remain simple, human, and student-friendly, exactly suitable for school submission.

Activities

Activity 1 – Words Expressing Love of Nature

This activity focuses on identifying the expressions and dialogues from the play that show each character’s love and respect for nature.

Detailed Answer:

Character	Dialogue / Expression	Explanation
King Dushyanta	“His neck in beauty bends as backward looks he sends.”	The King admires the beauty and grace of the frightened deer. It shows that he appreciates the delicate life of even a small creature.
	“The path he takes is strewed with blades of grass half-chewed.”	This line shows his observant nature and sensitivity to every small detail of nature.
	“It is done.” (after hearing the hermit’s request)	The King immediately stops the hunt, proving his compassion and humanity.
Hermits	“O King, this deer belongs to the hermitage; it must not be killed.”	The hermits protect the life of innocent animals, showing their deep love for nature.
	“A deed worthy of you, a shining example of kings.”	They bless the King for his kind action, appreciating moral behaviour toward living beings.
Shakuntala	“The mango tree seems to be calling me.”	She feels that even trees communicate with her — symbol of her spiritual bond with nature.
	“The jasmine vine has chosen the mango tree as her husband.”	She compares the two plants to living beings who share love and companionship.
Anasuya	“Father Kanva cares more for the hermitage trees than for you.”	Shows how much the sage values plants like his own children.
Priyamvada	“Let’s water those whose flowering time is past.”	She expresses pure and selfless love for nature — caring without expecting any reward.

Summary:

Every character in the play — King Dushyanta, Shakuntala, Anasuya, Priyamvada, and the hermits — show love, care, and unity with nature. The forest in Shakuntalam is a living world of peace and compassion.

Activity 2 – Character Sketch of King Dushyanta

Question: How do the King’s words and actions reveal his character?

Detailed Answer:

Situation / Line	What It Reveals about the King
“His neck in beauty bends as backward looks he sends.”	He is sensitive and poetic. He notices the grace of the deer.
“It is done.” (after being told not to kill the deer)	He obeys the hermits and shows mercy — he is kind-hearted.
“Do you not see? Here are rice grains and stones for oil.”	He is intelligent and observant; he notices signs of the hermitage.
“We must not disturb the hermitage.”	He respects sacred places and people who live peacefully.
“I will enter and bow before the hermitage.”	He is humble and disciplined, despite being a powerful king.

Character Sketch (in Paragraph Form):

King Dushyanta is a noble and compassionate ruler. Though he is brave and powerful, he also shows gentleness and humility. He listens to the hermits, protects animals, and respects all living things. He observes nature closely and values the calmness of the hermitage. His behaviour reflects the true qualities of a great king — wisdom, respect, and moral strength.

Activity 3 – Introduction to the Play “Shakuntalam”

Detailed Answer:

Shakuntalam is a classical Sanskrit play written by the great poet Kalidasa, known as the “Shakespeare of India.” It is one of his most famous works, based on a story from the Mahabharata. The play tells the love story of King Dushyanta and Shakuntala, the adopted daughter of Sage Kanva.

The selected scene from the play shows Dushyanta’s first meeting with Shakuntala. It highlights the beauty of the hermitage and the harmony between humans and nature. The characters live a simple life, full of love and respect for the environment. Kalidasa uses poetic language and beautiful imagery to describe trees, animals, and human emotions.

The play also symbolises purity, moral values, and divine connection with nature. It is not only a romantic story but also a reminder of India’s ancient wisdom — that human life and nature are deeply united.

Activity 4 – Ecotourism Project

(a) Guidelines for Visitors (in simple points):

Do not harm or disturb animals or plants.
Avoid throwing plastic or waste in natural areas.
Respect the silence of forests and sacred groves.
Do not light fires or play loud music.
Support local communities and use eco-friendly materials.
Leave the place as clean as you found it.

(b) Features of a Good Blog (about nature/ecotourism):

A short, catchy title related to nature.
Simple, conversational language.
High-quality pictures and quotes about nature.
Informative paragraphs about the place or theme.
Suggestions for eco-friendly travel.
Option for readers to comment or share experiences.

Welcome to Woodland Wonders, a peaceful eco-tourism spot where nature and humanity meet in harmony. Inspired by Kalidasa’s Shakuntalam, our goal is to help visitors rediscover the joy of nature.

Here, you can walk through green paths, watch deer grazing fearlessly, listen to birds, and meditate under ancient trees. We encourage everyone to treat nature like a friend — to observe, learn, and care. Let us travel with love and leave only footprints behind.

Activity 5 – Description of the Jasmine and Mango Tree Scene

Question: Describe the scene of the jasmine and mango tree as shown in the play.

Detailed Answer:

In the hermitage, Shakuntala and her friends are watering the plants. Shakuntala looks lovingly at a jasmine vine that has twined itself around a mango tree. She says the vine has chosen the mango tree as her husband. The white jasmine flowers shining among the green mango leaves create a picture of beauty and love.

Anasuya and Priyamvada admire this natural union and compare it to the harmony between man and woman — strength and softness, beauty and stability. The scene also shows how closely Shakuntala’s heart is connected with nature. She sees plants as living beings who can feel, love, and communicate.

This image of the jasmine and mango tree symbolises love, harmony, and the balance of life — a central theme in Shakuntalam.

Activity 6 – Storyboard

Task: Create a visual storyboard for one important scene in the play.

Scene Selected: The King’s Hunt and the Hermit’s Warning.

Detailed Scene Description (Shot by Shot):

Shot 1 – The Hunt Begins

The scene opens in a forest filled with bright sunlight. The King, dressed in royal armour, rides his chariot, chasing a frightened deer. The sound of galloping horses and hunting horns fills the air.

Shot 2 – The Deer in Danger

The deer runs fast, looking back in fear. The King takes aim with his bow. The audience feels tension and suspense.

Shot 3 – The Hermit Appears

Suddenly, a hermit rushes forward, raising his hand and shouting, “O King, this deer belongs to our hermitage! Do not kill it!”

Shot 4 – The King’s Realisation

The King lowers his bow and listens respectfully. His face softens. He replies humbly, “It is done.” The music changes to calm flute notes.

Shot 5 – Peace Restored

The hermit blesses the King, calling him a noble ruler. The deer slowly walks back into the forest. The King folds his hands and looks up toward the sky, feeling peace in his heart.

Shot 6 – Fade Out

The scene fades out with birds chirping — symbolising harmony between humans and nature.

Additional – Character Sketch of Shakuntala

Shakuntala is the foster daughter of Sage Kanva. She is gentle, loving, and innocent. She treats trees and animals as her friends and cares for them with affection. Her heart is pure, and she finds joy in nature. Shakuntala represents the ideal Indian woman — beautiful, kind, and spiritual. Her sensitivity and love make her a symbol of nature’s own grace and purity.