Dhritarashtra's Dilemma Over Announcing His Successor : Episode 29

Recap of

Previous episode

Duryodhana’s attempt to capture Drupada ends in failure, but Arjuna succeeds and brings the king to Drona. In return, Drona divides Panchala—giving the northern half back to Drupada while retaining the southern portion for himself and Ashwatthama. Arjuna’s humility earns Drupada’s respect, while Drona proclaims him the world’s greatest archer, deepening Duryodhana’s resentment. Vidura reminds Dhritarashtra that the time has come to name the future heir to Hastinapura.

Whispers of Succession

After Arjuna’s triumph over Drupada, Hastinapura buzzes with anticipation. The public murmurs about the next heir, openly favouring Yudhishtra and Arjuna—much to the discomfort of Duryodhana and Karna.

Vidura reminds Dhritarashtra that the time has come to announce the coronation. The king responds that he is already contemplating his decision, and before a name is spoken, the crowd erupts with cheers for the Pandavas.

Dhritarashtra :

Why such applause even before the announcement?

Vidura :

It shows the people have already chosen their future king.

Shakuni :

This is a monarchy, not a republic; only the king decides.

Vidura

A king must value his subjects’ opinions. And the prince of Gandhara should speak only when asked.

Karna steps forward to support Duryodhana’s claim as the eldest son of the reigning king. Kripacharya rebukes him sharply, calling him unworthy to speak on royal lineage when his own heritage is unknown. Kunti freezes with anxiety; Duryodhana rushes to defend his friend, but Bhishma admonishes him, forcing Karna to withdraw from the court.

Dushasana resumes the argument, insisting Duryodhana deserves the crown by birth. Vidura counters: Pandu was the acknowledged emperor, and his sons retain that right. Shakuni argues that Gandhari conceived first, but Vidura cites the scriptures—succession follows birth, not conception, placing Yudhishtra first. Yuyutsu agrees, only to be mocked by Duryodhana for being “a dasi’s son siding with another.”

Dhritarashtra turns to the elders. Kripacharya refuses to take sides, Drona pledges loyalty to whoever sits on the throne, and Bhishma says he renounced royal claim long ago and will obey the ruler of Hastinapura. With no consensus, Dhritarashtra postpones the decision.

Drupada’s Wound

In Panchala, Drupada remains restless and ashamed. The defeat itself was bearable; accepting territory as a gift from his conqueror was not. Unable to rule under this shadow, he hands the kingdom to his younger brother and walks away, nursing the humiliation.

Schemes in the Royal Quarters

Duryodhana seeks a private audience with his parents. He asks Dhritarashtra who was truly crowned emperor — was it not Pandu only because Dhritarashtra was blind? His tone turns sympathetic, hinting that history wronged his father, and asks why he does not simply declare him crown prince now.

Dhritarashtra replies bitterly that the court offered no clear support — except Vidura.

Dushasana suggests eliminating the Pandavas altogether. Gandhari rejects the idea, praising Pandu’s sacrifice and warning her sons against injustice.

Shakuni arrives quietly and requests private audience with Dhritarashtra. He claims he overheard their discussion and says what Dushasana proposed is not wrong: if the Kauravas wish to retain power, the Pandavas must be removed from their path.