The Path to Partition: Infertile Khandavapratha to Pandavas : Episode 73

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Recap of Previous Episode :

Vidura seeks Vyasa’s counsel and receives symbolic guidance through a divided mango. Dhritarashtra hands decision-making responsibility to Bhishma and Vidura, while Gandhari interprets his act as a subtle strategy. Vidura realises the possibility of dividing the kingdom and proposes a dual kingship. Bhishma rejects the idea completely, vowing never to allow the partition of Hastinapura.

Vidura’s Distress

After Bhishma’s fierce outburst against the idea of dividing Hastinapura, Vidura pleads with Dhritarashtra to understand his intention. But the king, bound by fear and reverence for Bhishma, says he is helpless. Vidura returns to his chambers shaken, telling his wife that,for the first time, he has earned his uncle’s displeasure.

Bhishma Seeks Guidance

Unable to contain his turmoil, Bhishma goes to the Ganga and shoots arrows into her waters, calling upon his mother to free him from the moral conflict he is trapped in. Moved by his anguish, Ganga appears before him.

A Difficult Consent

Vidura brings the news of Bhishma’s reluctant acceptance to Dhritarashtra, but the king becomes angry. He accuses Vidura of manipulating Bhishma to push Yudhishtra’s coronation. Bhishma arrives and calmly explains that refusing partition will only lead to bloodshed among the cousins. He declares that he and Vidura have fulfilled the task entrusted to them and now await the king’s decision.

Gandhari convinces Dhritarashtra that partition has become inevitable, and the king finally gives his consent.

Pandavas Reluctantly Agree

Bhima strongly opposes the idea, believing the Pandavas alone hold the rightful claim to Hastinapura. Vidura reasons with them patiently, assuring that their welfare remains his foremost concern. In time, the Pandavas agree to the compromise.

Shakuni’s Strategy

Duryodhana too rejects the plan at first, but Shakuni calms him with a calculated scheme: the Pandavas should be given the forested regions west of the Yamuna and the barren southwestern tracts, while the Kauravas retain the fertile, populous lands. Duryodhana is thrilled by this suggestion.

Dhritarashtra Overrules

Shakuni meets Dhritarashtra and presents the idea. The king hesitates, fearing Bhishma and Vidura’s objection, but Shakuni urges him to assert his royal prerogative.

Bhishma and Vidura work for hours to craft an equitable partition. But when they arrive before the king, Dhritarashtra pre-empts their proposal and announces Shakuni’s version instead. Bhishma and Vidura are left speechless.

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