Duhshanta Proposes a Gandharva Marriage to Shakuntala
King Duhshanta, captivated by Shakuntala, proposes a gandharva marriage on the spot. Shakuntala hesitates, insisting they wait for her father's permission, but Duhshanta argues from dharma and their mutual desire. She agrees only after extracting a promise that will shape a dynasty.
Duhshanta did not hesitate. He had come hunting and found the hermitage empty except for this woman whose beauty was that of a goddess. He spoke directly.
"O princess! O fortunate one! Be my wife. Tell me what I can do for you. Today, I will present you with golden necklaces, garments, gems and jewels from many countries. Let my entire kingdom be yours today. Marry me according to gandharva rites," he said, "because it is said that a gandharva marriage is the best."
A gandharva marriage — the ancient form of union by mutual consent, without ceremony or witnesses.
Shakuntala replied, "O king! My father has left the hermitage to collect fruits. Please wait for a while. He will return and give me to you."
Duhshanta pressed his case. "O unblemished one! I wish that you accept me yourself. Know that my heart is completely in you." He argued that one is one's own best friend, and in accordance with dharma, one could give oneself to another. Then he laid out the law as he knew it.
"Eight kinds of marriage are known to have the sanction of dharma," he explained, listing them: brahma, daiva, arsha, prajapatya, asura, gandharva, rakshasa, and paishacha. He cited Manu, the lawgiver: the first four were for Brahmanas, the first six for Kshatriyas. For kings, even the rakshasa form — marriage by capture — was permissible. The asura form, involving a bride-price, was for Vaishyas and Shudras. Of the five forms available to Kshatriyas, three were in accordance with dharma; the paishacha and asura forms should never be used.
"The gandharva and rakshasa forms are sanctioned for Kshatriyas," Duhshanta concluded. "Therefore, you need not be scared. There is no doubt that either one, or a mix of the two, is appropriate for us. O beautiful one! I am full of desire for you and so are you. You should become my wife according to the gandharva form."
Shakuntala listened. Then she set her terms.
"O best of the Puru race! If this is the path indicated by dharma and I am really my own mistress, know my terms before I give myself. Give me your word to this secret agreement between us. O king! Give me your truthful promise that the son who is born to me will succeed you. If that is accepted, you may unite with me."