Śṛṅgāra in Stone: the Śakuntalā Reliefs at Paṭṭadakal

Bas-reliefs of scenes from the epics Rāmāyaṇa and Mahābhārata are extremely common in temples all over India, but depictions a Sanskrit drama (mahānāṭaka) places worship virtually unheard of. A few bas-reliefs at Lokeśvara Temple Trailokyeśvara Paṭṭadakal depict centring around female figure, who is arguably Śakuntalā. The story Śakuntalā first mentioned was subsequently dramatised by Kālidāsa fifth century Abhijñānaśākuntalam. From comparison these with aforesaid texts original Sanskrit, it evident that they match storyline better than epic. Apart corroborating probability reliefs may have been inspired drama, this paper also explores how rasas, which can normally be experienced through live performances or literature, depicted communicated non-dynamic medium. Additionally, demonstrates works were known cherished Cālukya royal figures, some whom memorialised them stone, an unusual form temple iconography two Paṭṭadakal.