Ashok Banker specializes
in retelling the stories of great Indian epics and classical works. In
Shakuntala And Dushyanta, he tells the story of the couple whose son
gave the country its original name, Bharata.
The story of
Shakuntala herself is captivating. The celestial enchantress Menaka is
sent to disrupt the penance of Rishi Vishwamitra. She succeeds and the
latter lives with her for several years before he realizes that he has
been deliberately led astray by the Devas. He does not curse Menaka in
anger, but he walks out on her.
Menaka herself is anxious to get back to
Heaven. But, she has a new born baby, a daughter. She leaves the little
girl in the middle of a bush in the forest and goes back.
The girl is
found by Rishi Kanva who adopts her and names her Shakuntala ...
ID: F - 2322/1
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