The magnetic cycle of the Sun, as manifested in the cyclic appearance of
sunspots, significantly influences our space environment and space-based
technologies by generating what is now termed as space weather. Long-term
variation in the Sun's magnetic output also influences planetary atmospheres
and climate through modulation of solar irradiance. Here, I summarize the
current state of understanding of this magnetic cycle, highlighting important
observational constraints, detailing the kinematic dynamo modeling approach and
commenting on future prospects.Comment: To appear in the Bulletin of the Astronomical Society of India,
Proceedings of the 1st Asia Pacific Solar Physics Meetin