Abhijana Shakuntalam is a dramatisation of the conflicts of the private andthe public and of desire and duty. Discuss

"Abhijana Shakuntalam", written by the ancient Indian poet Kalidasa, is a classic Sanskrit play that beautifully encapsulates the conflict between private desires and public duties.

1. Private vs Public: The play revolves around the love story of King Dushyanta and Shakuntala, a hermitage girl. Their love, which is private and personal, comes into conflict with Dushyanta's public duties as a king. He is bound by his responsibilities towards his kingdom and subjects, which often clash with his personal desires and love for Shakuntala.

2. Desire vs Duty: Dushyanta's desire is to be with Shakuntala, whom he deeply loves. However, his duty as a king requires him to put his kingdom's welfare before his personal desires. This conflict is evident when he fails to recognize Shakuntala due to a curse, and despite his heart's desire, he chooses to uphold his duty as a king by not accepting her.

3. Resolution: The conflict between desire and duty, private and public, is resolved towards the end of the play. The divine intervention that leads to Dushyanta regaining his memory symbolizes the reconciliation of these conflicts. He accepts Shakuntala and their son, thus fulfilling his personal desires while also performing his public duty as a king.

In conclusion, "Abhijana Shakuntalam" is a profound exploration of the conflicts between the private and the public, and desire and duty. Through the characters of Dushyanta and Shakuntala, Kalidasa presents the eternal struggle between personal desires and societal obligations.