Question

Which of the following is an example of "Alambana Vibhava" in Kalidasa’s Shakuntala?

• A. The greenery of the Ashram
• B. The love between Dushyantha and Shakuntala
• C. The river and flowers
• D. The sound of birds

Answer 1

Answer:

B. The love between Dushyantha and Shakuntala

In Rasa Theory, Alambana Vibhava refers to the primary cause or support of an emotion, usually the characters (persons) or objects that evoke a particular Rasa.

In Abhijnana Shakuntalam:

• Shakuntala and Dushyanta are the Alambana Vibhava of Shringara Rasa (romantic mood) because their love story is the central source of emotional experience.

• The greenery, river, flowers, and bird sounds are Uddipana Vibhava, which enhance the romantic atmosphere.