After all the tensions of thirteen years of exile, the wedding of Abhimanyu and Uttarai was a welcome change. Many kings and princes were sent invitations.* The most distinguished among the guests was Krishna, who had brought with him his sister and her son, the bridegroom. From Dwaraka, Krishna had also brought ten thousand elephants and ten thousand chariots, as well as horses and soldiers. Krishna distributed presents to the Pandavas: several measures of gems, gold, and robes, and a large number of female slaves.
Conchs, cymbals, horns and drums, and other musical instruments were played in the palace courtyard. Delicate venison and other kinds of rare meat were provided in sumptuous feasts. Several kinds of wine and the intoxicating juices of rare plants flowed profusely. Bards and minstrels waited upon the kings and chanted their praise.
At the auspicious hour, the bride was presented by the King and accepted by Arjuna on behalf of his son. As a dowry for the nuptial ceremony, Virata gave Abhimanyu seven thousand horses which had the speed of wind, two hundred picked elephants, and wealth of many kinds. The sacred fire roared with enormous quantities of clarified butter, poured in to the chanting of Vedas and mantras.
On the following day, the hall of assembly was filled with distinguished guests occupying their seats of gold and ivory, according to their importance. The jewellery on their persons scintillated and the hall looked like a firmament spangled with brilliant stars. When the assembled guests had greeted one another and engaged for a little while in general talk, a silence ensued. Everyone knew that this silence was only a prelude to discussions of the utmost importance.
All eyes were now turned to where Krishna, with his brother Balarama, was seated. It was a significant moment, the starting point of Krishna’s leadership in the impending conflict with the Kauravas. Krishna addressed the assembly: “You all know how Yudhistira was defeated in a dice play by foul means. Deprived of his kingdom, he and his family were made to wander and suffer, all because he had given his word to remain in exile for twelve years, and then for a year more in hiding, which was perhaps the hardest part of their trials. They had to perform menial services and remain in constant dread of being discovered. Now having fulfilled their pledge to the last letter, the time has come for them to get back their kingdom, wealth, home, and royal dignity. But will they receive their due by fair means? Will Duryodhana respond to their appeal to give them back their kingdom? I doubt it. But still the Pandavas have the welfare of their cousins at heart and will not act precipitately. We must decide what we must do to regain our rights, if possible, without losing our desire for peace. Please consider the matter deeply, discuss it among yourselves and advise us. It is not possible to guess what Duryodhana may do, wants to do, or thinks of doing. I feel it will be difficult to plan anything at this stage, when we cannot fathom the mind of the other party. So I would suggest sending someone to Hastinapura, an able ambassador of courage and character, who can be persuasive as well as firm in speech, to get Duryodhana to give up half the kingdom to Yudhistira, who is not asking for more.”
After his speech, Balarama, who was Krishna’s elder brother, said, “Remember that Duryodhana has complete hold on the entire kingdom. Yudhistira in his generosity is asking for only half of it. But will Duryodhana give up one half? We must try to know what he has in mind and then decide on the course of action. I do not at all think that any firm speech by an ambassador is going to help; it may only provoke a conflict. Duryodhana will not easily yield what he has possessed so long. Let a messenger be chosen who can appeal with humility and win a concession; if we challenge, the Pandavas will not gain anything. Our messenger’s language must appeal for an understanding. After all, Yudhistira had his kingdom but chose to gamble it away out of his own choice, in spite of advice from well-wishers who knew that he was a poor player. Yet he challenged, of all persons, the son of Suvala, known for his cleverness and deceit. There were many others in the assembly whom Yudhistira could have challenged, but he chose to play against only Sakuni, not once, but repeatedly. And so who is to be blamed for the present situation? Let us remember our own weakness and adopt a language of conciliation and not one of challenge.”
A ruler named Satyaki, a kinsman of Krishna and also his charioteer, said, “I do not agree with your statements, sir. They are not true. Yudhistira did not seek to play, but was challenged. As a kshatriya he had to accept. He did not ask Sakuni to play, Duryodhana had arranged it thus. They deceived Yudhistira. However, it is all past. Yudhistira has fulfilled his pledge. Still they dispute and hold on to their ill-gotten possessions at any cost, making hair-splitting arguments in regard to the calculation of the time at which the Pandavas had revealed themselves after the period of incognito. I would ask for no charity. Let our messenger go up and say that Yudhistira in his generosity is prepared to take back only half his kingdom. They should yield to him or face the consequences. The way to appeal to them will be with arrows and not words. I will gather my forces and send the Kauravas to the world of Yama if they do not bow at the feet of Yudhistira.”
Drupada, father-in-law of the Pandavas, added his voice. “Duryodhana will not give up anything by peaceful means. He is the kind to treat anyone speaking mildly as an imbecile. We cannot expect any improvement if Dhritarashtra intervenes; he will support his son in every way. Drona and Bhishma, whatever their personal views, will always support Duryodhana. The important step now must be to prepare for war. We must send our messengers without a moment’s delay to all the kings—north, south, east, and west, so that we may be the first to get their promises of support.” He mentioned over fifty rulers who should be approached at once. “In addition to all this,” he suggested, “a man of learning and intelligence should be sent to the other camp to convey our demand clearly and firmly, without fear or offensiveness. Our envoy should not be aggressive or servile.”
Krishna made preparations to return to Dwaraka with his retinue, feeling satisfied that a proper beginning had been made to reestablish the Pandavas. Before leaving he repeated, “Let us try to maintain a friendly relationship, but if Duryodhana spurns us, call me first, and then summon our allies. Then the Gandiva and all our other weapons can go into action.”
The Pandavas selected a priest who was scholarly, well versed in the science of politics, to go to Hastinapura as their envoy. Simultaneously they dispatched messengers to various principalities to seek allies. Arjuna himself set out to Dwaraka to formally request Krishna’s help. Duryodhana, who was aware through his spies of all the plans brewing at the Pandava camp, also sent his messengers far and wide to seek allies, and set out himself to Dwaraka to appeal to Krishna for his help. Both Arjuna and Duryodhana arrived at the same moment, while Krishna was asleep, and entered his chamber together. Duryodhana chose a good seat placed at the head of Krishna’s cot and Arjuna sat down at his feet, both waiting for Krishna to wake up. When Krishna opened his eyes, the first person he saw was Arjuna and, being aware of the visitor at the head also, he spoke words that were applicable to both, general greetings and enquiries of welfare.
Arjuna stood with folded hands and bowed to him. Duryodhana spoke first. “Both Arjuna and I are your kinsmen and you must treat us with equal consideration. I was the first to arrive. The inflexible rule is that whoever comes first should receive the first attention. I am turning to you for help in the war which is threatening to break out.”
“I do not know if you were the first to arrive, but Arjuna was the first to be seen by me when I opened my eyes. He is the younger one, and the code lays down that the younger person, under these conditions, should always get the first choice. I am willing to assist you both. I have in my control over a million soldiers, strong and aggressive; I could say they are stronger than I am. These soldiers shall be available to one of you, this army of a million men. To the other, I shall be available as an individual person, but I will not fight; I will just be on the side of the one who chooses me, that is all. Now tell me your choice: The junior, Arjuna, shall first speak his mind.?
??
Arjuna immediately answered, “You must be on my side, even if you do not fight. I do not want the million soldiers.”
Duryodhana was happy to get the million soldiers, feeling that Arjuna must be a fool to choose one person, who was not going to fight, instead of a million soldiers. He thanked Krishna profusely and left.
Hearing of the preparations for war, Salya, one of the most powerful kings and father of Madri, the second wife of Pandu, left his capital with his retinue and troops to meet Yudhistira and offer his support. Knowing of his movements through his spies, Duryodhana organized receptions for him all along the way. Arches were put up with floral decorations, luxurious pavilions were constructed where Salya and his retinue could rest, and where food and drinks were served liberally by Duryodhana’s servants, well trained in hospitality.
Salya assumed these were all arranged by Yudhistira and said, “Let those responsible for these excellent arrangements come before me, as I wish to reward them.”
The servants rushed to convey this request to Duryodhana, who lost no time in coming before Salya to declare that he had made all the arrangements for his comfortable journey. Salya was surprised, but pleased. “Your arrangements are heavenly. What can I do for you in return?”
Duryodhana had been awaiting that question and immediately replied, “I want you to lead our army.”
Salya was again surprised but said, “Very well, I shall be the leader of your army. What else?”
“I need nothing more,” replied Duryodhana.
At this, Salya said, “I must first visit Yudhistira and greet him, and will join you afterwards.”
Duryodhana replied, “Come back soon, and don’t let Yudhistira hold you on any pretext.”
Salya met Yudhistira, and they had a long talk. On hearing of Salya’s promise, Yudhistira said, “You have given your word to Duryodhana and have to keep it, no doubt; but I must ask a favour of you. Will you grant it?”
“Yes,” replied Salya.
“Although what I am proposing is not quite ethical, you will have to do it for my sake,” said Yudhistira. “As I foresee it, there will be a single combat during the war, between Arjuna and Karna. At that time, you must drive Karna’s chariot, and utilize that occasion to utter remarks and warnings that will dispirit Karna and make him feeble and irresolute. I want Arjuna to win. This is an improper request, I know, but please do it for my sake.”
Salya gave his assurance that he would discourage Karna at a crucial moment and, after wishing the Pandavas victory in the coming conflict, he left.
12 War or Peace?
THE PRIEST who had been sent to Duryodhana’s court was received with due honour and respect and seated properly. After all the formal preambles and the exchange of respectful greetings, the priest launched into a narrative of the situation. “Our Pandavas are not eager for a war; all that they want is their share of the kingdom, legitimately due to them. In all justice they should be invited to take their share. There need be no war; it is unnecessary. But if the Kauravas prefer a war, it will be their end, let me assure you. Seven akshaunis* have already assembled, ready to fight the Kauravas, only waiting for the command. There are others, each one with the strength of a thousand akshaunis of troops, such as Satyaki, Bhimasena, and the twins. Add to these the mighty Arjuna and Vasudeva’s son, Krishna, whose wisdom is worth all the might of eleven and more divisions. I am only mentioning that they are all there. They will return to their peaceful avocations if you so decide.”
Bhishma was the first to answer. “How fortunate that they desire only peace. What you have said is all true; but your words are rather sharp. Perhaps because you are of the priestly class and employ words as a weapon, and also perhaps you have been instructed to speak thus. Everyone knows that lawfully the Pandavas must get back everything, and Arjuna is invincible once he is provoked….”
At this point Karna interrupted angrily, “Oh, Brahmin, don’t forget that Sakuni played on behalf of Duryodhana as agreed by Yudhistira, won the game, and Yudhistira went into exile as stipulated. If the Pandavas had won, Duryodhana would have experienced the same fate. But he would have respected the pledge, unlike Yudhistira who has now the support of Matsyas, Panchala, Yadavas,* and the rest, and on the strength of it wishes to demand the kingdom. Know you, O Brahmin, if it is a matter of justice, and properly approached, Duryodhana would yield the whole earth. If the great Pandava brothers wish to get back their kingdom, they should spend the stipulated time in the forests, and then come and ask. If they are hot-headed enough to want a war, they will learn their lesson.”
Bhishma replied, “Your talk in this manner will not help. How could you forget even the recent encounter, when Arjuna fought the six of us single-handed? If we act rashly we shall suffer.”
Dhritarashtra silenced everyone, and said, “No more discussion on this subject. O Brahmin, our answer will be brought by Sanjaya. You don’t have to wait any further for our reply. You may depart….” And he immediately ordered all the honours due to a departing messenger.
Sanjaya was summoned and briefed elaborately, and the concluding advice was, “Say nothing to them that may be unpalatable or provoke a war.”
In due course, Sanjaya reached Upaplavya, on the outskirts of the Virata capital, where the Pandavas were residing. There he presented ceremonial greetings and good wishes from Dhritarashtra, an inevitable formality even in the worst of times. After these courtesies Yudhistira, seated in the midst of his allies and supporters, ordered Sanjaya to speak openly of his mission.
Sanjaya said, “This is what our King and his wise counsellors, Bhishma and the rest, desire—peace, long-lasting peace between the Pandavas and the Kauravas.”
Yudhistira said, “Of course, peace is preferable to war. Who would wish it otherwise? But Dhritarashtra is like one who has flung a burning faggot into dry, crackling under-growth in a forest and now, surrounded by flames, does not know how to escape. King Dhritarashtra knows what is right, but would please his son at any cost, and encourage him in his wicked course. The only sane adviser he had with him who could speak with courage was Vidura, and he always ignored his advice. Well, you know the whole history, Sanjaya. I shall seek peace as you advise. Give me back my own creation, Indraprastha. Advise Duryodhana to do this immediately and I assure you that there will be no war.”
Sanjaya replied, “Life is transient, and your fame and name will live forever. I will convey your demand in strong terms, but here is my own suggestion—if they will not yield your share, I think it would be preferable for you to live on alms anywhere than acquire sovereignty by force. If you had so wanted, you once had the whole army under your control and could have easily defeated your gambling cousins and stuck to your throne. But you let that opportunity pass. Why? Because you would not commit an unrighteous act, and the same principle should be observed even now. Please avoid a war, which will result in the death of Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, and all our elders in addition to Karna, Duryodhana, and Aswathama. Think for a moment. What happiness will you get out of this strife and victory, O Great One, tell me?”
“As a kshatriya,” Yudhistira said, “I would be failing in my duty if I did not take back my kingdom by persuasion or… if driven to it, by force. Now I have no misgivings or doubts on this issue. However, here is Krishna, the Omniscient. Let him say what would be right, whether to fight or seek peace on any condition.”
Krishna turned to Sanjaya. “Yudhistira has displayed all these years nothing but forbearance, while Dhritarashtra’s sons have displayed nothing but covetousness, and now it is time to act and seek proper remedies. The entire universe and all nature functions and keeps life growing only by a proper balance of action and reaction. Otherwise, creation will collapse. You can’t pretend to be better informed in codes of conduct than either I or Yudhistira. If you were so fully versed in niceties of behaviour, why did you look on when Draupadi was humiliated before the assembly hall? You never lectured on morality or law at that time. Did you make
any effort then to arrest that lewd speech of Karna’s? Why do you wax eloquent now on righteousness? The sons of Pandu are ready to wait upon Dhritarashtra, but they are also prepared for war. Let Dhritarashtra decide.”
Yudhistira said, “We want our share of the kingdom or at least a gesture of fair play. Give us five villages, one for each of us brothers, and leave us alone. Even that will end our quarrel.”
After this, Sanjaya bade a ceremonious farewell and left.
Sanjaya reached Hastinapura at night and immediately went to the palace. He told the gatekeeper of the inner apartments, “Inform the King that Sanjaya is come. It is a matter of urgency. If the King is not resting, but awake, make it known that I have arrived from the Pandavas and must see him. Do not delay.” The porter came back and asked him to go in.
The King greeted him. “Oh, welcome back; why should you have waited for permission to enter, one who needs no permission, but may at all times enter?”
Sanjaya immediately began his report. “Pandu’s son desires the return of his kingdom forthwith.” Then he launched into a praise of Yudhistira’s firmness in the grasp of virtues and concluded, “O King, you have earned a bad reputation everywhere, and will reap the rewards of it in this and the next world. Supporting your evil-minded son, you hope to keep your ill-gotten wealth and territories. When your son goes to perdition, he is going to drag you along with him….”
Dhritarashtra was disturbed by Sanjaya’s talk. He turned to an attendant and said, “Bring Vidura at once. I must see him this very second.” When Vidura came, the King felt relieved, hoping that he would have some soothing words for him, although Vidura always spoke the blunt truth. Dhritarashtra said, “Tell me what may be done for one who has lost sleep, burning with anxiety. Advise me properly, Vidura. What course should I adopt now, in justice to the Pandavas and beneficial to the Kauravas? I am aware of my lapses in judgement, and I come to you with an anxious heart. Tell me truly what you think Yudhistira has in mind.”