Correct answer: A. Shakuntala
Explanation: The direct answer is A: Shakuntala. Abhijnana Shakuntalam, whose title refers to the recognition of Shakuntala, is Kalidasa’s famous Sanskrit drama based on the story of Shakuntala and King Dushyanta. Step by step: identify the title; its central character is Shakuntala; the plot includes her relationship with Dushyanta, separation, a lost or forgotten recognition token and later reunion; therefore option A is correct. Option B, Gautami, is a different name and not the legendary heroine represented by the title. Option C, Kumaradevi, was a historical royal figure associated with a much later period, not the central character of this drama. Option D, Manimekalai, is the heroine and title of a Tamil Buddhist epic, not the character of Kalidasa’s play. The title itself is the clue: Shakuntalam means the story concerning Shakuntala. The supplied answer is accurate.