A picture of contemporary society in Abhijnana Shakuntalam: A comprehensive focus on the issues related to gender, caste and class hierarchies

Mahakavi Kalidasa, a renowned Sanskrit poet and dramatist,is widely known as one of the greatest literary genius of ancient India. As often called as Indian Shakespeare, he has a lasting influence on Indian and world literature through his artistic excellence. His Abhijnana Shakuntalam provides a profound window into social structure, values and hierarchies of ancient Indian society. Beyond its enduring appeal as a beautiful love story, this masterpiece serves as a social document that reflects gender dynamics, class distinctions and caste hierarchies prevalent during the Gupta Period(around 320 CE-550 CE).The main purpose of this paper is to explore how the societal elements reveal both historical context and continuing relevance to contemporary discussion on social biasness.