Abstract
In the Prologue to Kalidasa’s The Recognition of Shakuntala, after the Benediction (Naandee), the chief Actress (Nutee) sings a melody at the request of the Stage Manager (Sootra-dhaar): “While we are getting ready to begin the performance, please sing a song to entertain the audience” (my approximation of the original). She sings:
“The bees kiss the delicate pollen of Shireesh flowers very softly. And compassionate women in the prime of their youth pick those flowers very gently and put them on their ears” (Act I, stanza 4 in Prof. Kale’s edition).
The three operative words in the song are: “delicate”, “softly” and “compassionate”.
Original language | American English |
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State | Published - Jul 2021 |
EGS Disciplines
- South and Southeast Asian Languages and Societies
- Dramatic Literature, Criticism and Theory