Proposed Alliances for Dhritarashtra and Pandu: Episode 11

Prologue

In Hastinapur, the stage is set for the royal alliances that will shape the kingdom’s future. While young Dhritarashtra dreams of power and recognition, the queens and priests begin considering suitable brides for the princes. Gandhari of Gandhara and Kunti of Mathura emerge as the most fitting matches, approved by Bhishma and Satyavati. Yet behind these decisions, subtle currents of destiny begin to stir — Vyasa senses future danger, Shakuni listens in silence, and Vidura quietly walks his own path of wisdom. This episode explores ambition, duty, and the careful steps that lead to the royal marriages that will define Hastinapur.

Dhritarashtra’s Early Ambition

Young Dhritarashtra stands beside his mother, Ambika, in the shrine of Goddess Durga. Blind since birth, he touches his silk robes and asks if he looks like a king. Ambika hesitates, torn between truth and affection.

Vidura and Pandu arrive. Sensing the deeper longing behind the question, Vidura softly reassures him, “You already are, brother.” The blind prince’s face lights up — a fleeting joy hinting at his yearning for power and recognition.

Dhritarashtra's Courage and Confidence

Eighteen years later, Bhishma tests the princes’ military skills. A horse breaks free, charging toward Dhritarashtra. Pandu and Vidura rush to intervene, but Dhritarashtra steadies himself against a tree trunk, propels forward, and mounts the horse on his own.

Bhishma, observing the feat, smiles with pride. The young prince’s confidence and composure have grown, revealing his emerging leadership qualities.

Proposed Alliances

In the royal court, Queen Satyavati and Bhishma consult the priests about alliances through marriage. The astrologers recommend Gandhari of Gandhara for Dhritarashtra and Kunti of Mathura for Pandu. Bhishma approves the choices. Satyavati rises, ending the meeting. Vidura's mother is hurt by the omission of her son's name. As she begins to speak, Vidura stops his mother tactfully, saying Queen Satyvati had already discussed the matter with him. Satyavati is startled and embarrassed by her inadvertent omission.

Vyasa’s Caution

Satyavati visits Sage Vyasa to seek blessings. When Vyasa learns about the alliance proposals for the princes, his expression clouds briefly. He composes himself instantly and praises Gandhari and Kunti. Satyavati is relieved and happy. Once she leaves, the disciple who has been observing quietly asks if Vyasa carries any concern about the alliances.

Vyasa:

Gandhari’s qualities are many, but her brother Shakuni is cunning and deceitful — a source of intrigue and future destruction for Hastinapur.

Vidura’s Reflection

Vidura reflects bitterly on the disregard society shows toward him and his mother.

Vidura

: Oh fate, is this your evil plot? Is it a curse that even with the intellect that glows like a thousand flames, the strength of many elephants, and the wisdom to solve the problems of an entire town, the stain of being a servant’s son follows me always? Even if seeded by a yogi, it was still a servant who bore me.

Bhishma calls out to Vidura.

Bhishma

: You are the son I never had. But I am bound by my vows and cannot come fully to your aid. Yet you must not be dejected. You are Vyasa’s son. Through him I have learned of the troubling events that await this kingdom — deeds of adharma and sorrow that will unfold here. Compared to that, your present grief is small. In the great drama that lies ahead, you and I have important roles. Do not lose heart. It is my duty to find a suitable wife for you.

Bhishma:

Your words both shock and strengthen me, Great Uncle. I have now made my decision — I will remain by your side and serve Hastinapur. My experiences have taught me my place in this kingdom, and I accept it with clarity.

Vidura introduces Sulabha to Bhishma

Vidura leads Bhishma to a small hamlet, introducing him to a modest family and the daughter Sulabha, whom he admires. Both are shy and uneasy, yet the meeting quietly sets the course for Vidura’s personal life.

The Messenger to Gandhara

In faraway Gandhara, King Subala receives Bhishma’s proposal. He hesitates — the groom is blind; he promises a reply after consulting Gandhari and Shakuni. Unbeknownst to them, Shakuni overhears the conversation, silently planning his moves. The king decides to discuss the matter with Gandhari and Shakuni.

The king asks Gandhari to express her thoughts freely. Gandhari, serene in her faith, says, “The great Bhishma’s judgment cannot be unjust. I will accept this path as my destiny.”

Her brother Shakuni and his attendent listen from behind the curtain. Shakuni's eyes narrow with unspoken thoughts.