Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Reading Notes: Narayan's Mahabharata Part C

Title: The Mahabharata: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic Part C
Author: R. K. Narayan
Year: 1978

- The rift between Dhritarashtra's sons and nephews has made him absolutely worthless. I hate his character. 

- Sakuni suggests that Duryodhana go to Kamyaka where the Pandavas are to show off his power and wealth. "It is said that there could be nothing more gratifying than showing off one's superiority before an enemy reduced to beggar." 
I could write a story where Duryodhana does this, but sees the Pandavas enjoying their lives and each other's company. Duryodhana would become sad at realizing that while he has everything in the world, he is very empty and really has nothing due to the way he has acted.

- Duryodhana does go to Kamyaka and set up a post near the forest, but many of his soldiers are killed by gandharvas and Duryodhana was taken prisoner. The gandharvas were sent by Indra to teach Duryodhana a lesson, but the Pandavas killed the gandhavas and rescued Duryodhana anyway, who thanks them and returns home.
A story could be written about Indra becoming upset with the Pandavas,  and the Pandavas and Duryodhana becoming allies to defeat Indra. 

- Draupadi is assaulted by Kichaka and is subsequently killed by Bhima, along with much of his army. Yudhistira and the King ignored her when she spoke to them about Kichaka assaulting her, which made her very upset. Yudhistira has a very big problem with the dice game, and it will probably lead to his end. 

- Duryodhana holds a council with his brothers and others. Most advise him to make peace with the Pandavas and welcome them with open arms when their exile ends. Susurman suggests that they should invade Virata. Duryodhana, convinced that the Pandavas are in Virata, agrees with Susurman and begins planning. 

- Dhritarashtra holds a council with his sons and advisers to decide if they should go to war with the Pandavas. The Pandavas want peace, but are requesting their half of the kingdom be given back. No one in the council wants war except for Duryodhana, Karna, and Dussasana. A decision has not yet been made, but I can make a decision for them.


Fight Between Arjuna and Bhisma
Image Author: Ramanarayanadatta astri
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons


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