King Dushyanta is a legendary figure from ancient Indian literature, primarily known from the epic Mahabharata and the play Shakuntala by the poet Kalidasa. He is depicted as a noble and valiant king of the Puru dynasty, renowned for his bravery and sense of justice. Dushyanta's story often revolves around his love for Shakuntala, a beautiful maiden raised in the forest by the sage Vishwamitra. In the tale, Dushyanta meets Shakuntala during a hunting expedition and falls in love with her. They marry, but due to a curse from Durvasa, a sage, Dushyanta forgets Shakuntala after returning to his kingdom. The narrative explores themes of love, memory, and destiny, ultimately leading to their reunion and the birth of their son, Bharata, who becomes a significant figure in Indian history.