Draupadi was born from a yajna performed by King Drupada. She emerged with extraordinary beauty and a naturally dark complexion. Because of this complexion, she was called Krishnaa, meaning ‘dark-skinned’. She is also known as Pānchāli, as she was the daughter of the King of Pānchala.

The Sūta community is primarily known for serving as charioteers. This role requires courage, quick thinking, and the ability to understand the warrior’s commands as well as the dynamics of battle. They were also skilled storytellers, especially in royal courts.

A Mahārathi is a great warrior capable of facing and defeating at least ten thousand soldiers in battle. Yuyutsu—born to Dhritarashtra and a Vaishya woman—was a Mahārathi. Dushāsana was also a Mahārathi. Altogether, the Kauravas had eleven Mahārathis.

King Dushyanta belonged to the illustrious Paurava dynasty. His rule was remembered for justice, prosperity, peace, and social harmony.

Indra feared that Rishi Vishwāmitra’s tapas would elevate him beyond the gods. He sent the apsara Menaka to distract the sage. With the help of Marut and Manmatha, she succeeded, and their union resulted in the birth of Shakuntala.

After Menaka gave birth, she left the newborn on the banks of the river Mālini. Eagles surrounded and protected the helpless child. Rishi Kaṇva found her and raised her. Because she was protected by birds (Shakunta), she was named Shakuntala.

Dushyanta explained the eight types of marriages to Shakuntala. Paishācham refers to marrying a woman while she is intoxicated or unconscious; Aasuram involves giving wealth to the bride’s family. Both are forbidden. The Gandharva form—marriage by mutual consent—is permitted for Kshatriyas.

In dharmic tradition, anyone who fulfills any of the five duties can be called a father, one who gives birth, performs the upanayana, imparts education, provides food, or offers protection. As Rishi Kaṇva raised and protected her, Shakuntala rightfully called him her father.

Shakuntala placed only one condition: the son born to them must become the rightful successor to Dushyanta. The king promised this without hesitation and assured her he would send his army to bring her to his capital.

Shakuntala urges Dushyanta to acknowledge the truth about their son. She states: digging a well is meritorious; donating a tank is greater; performing a yajna is even more virtuous; begetting a son surpasses a yajna; and speaking the truth surpasses even a hundred sons.

Shakuntala’s son was extraordinarily brave. By age six he had tamed all animals near the ashram and tied them up. Because of this feat, he was named Sarvadamanan—‘the one who subdues all beings’.

Later on, Dushyanta is told by Asariri (voice without a body) that he should accept Shakuntala and their Son. They tell him that his son will be the greatest ruler and that his race will be known by his son’s name. “You will cherish him and because of this he will be known as Bharata (the Cherished).”

After the Asariri confirms that Shakuntala is his wife and Bharata is his son, Dushyanta tells the Sabhā (royal assembly) that he always knew Shakuntala was his wife, but he would not have been able to accept her straightaway as it would have led to gossip. The citizens would not have believed that Bharata was his son and would have suspected the character of Shakuntala. Therefore a confirmation from Asariri was needed.

In the popular version, Dushyanta forgets his promise due to a curse of Rishi Durvāsa. This story has become popular as it is in Kālidāsa’s Abhijnānashākuntalam.