|
|
| The Game of Dice |
Duryodhana sought his father, Dhritarashtra's consent for a plan to drive the Pandavas into exile. He urged him to invite Yudhishthira to Hastinapura for a game of dice. But, as Dhritarashtra listened to his son, he grew uneasy and afraid, but agreed, much against his better judgement. He then sent Vidur to Indraprastha to invite the Pandavas along with Draupadi.
Vidur unwillingly left on this mission and arrived at Indraprastha. A warm welcome awaited him there. But Vidur remained sad and spoke little. At last, Yudhishthira asked him what the matter was, and Vidur told him of the invitation for the game of dice.
Vidur said, "I tried my best to dissuade Duryodhana but in vain. You may now do as you think fit." In spite of this warning, Yudhishthira felt honour bound, as a Kshatriya, not to decline an invitation to a game of chance. Accordingly he went to Hastinapur with his brothers and Draupadi.
After greetings had been exchanged, Shakuni informed Yudhishthira that the arrangements for the game were complete. Although Yudhishthira still felt that it was wrong on his part to play, his love of gambling overcame his principles and he asked, "Who is to play with me?"
Duryodhana replied, "I shall stake my wealth but my uncle Shakuni will actually throw the dice on my behalf."
Yudhishthira knew that Shakuni was an expert so he hesitated and said, "I do not think it is fair to have another person playing on your behalf."
At this Shakuni taunted him saying, "I see now that you are afraid and are trying to find an excuse. If you so wish, you may back out." Yudhishthira flushed at the insult and abandoning all caution replied. "I am ready to play. Let us start."
The game began. At first, gold, silver and jewels were staked and later horses, elephants and chariots. Shakuni kept winning at each throw. As he lost steadily, Yudhishthira became more and more reckless. One by one he lost all his possessions, including his kingdom and throne. When all the material possessions were gone, down to the clothes that he and his brothers were wearing, Shakuni asked, "Is there nothing more that you can stake now?"
Now his brothers went up to him and begged, "It is enough brother! Come, let us go, there is nothing left to stake."
Yudhishthira hardly heard them. "I will still win back all I have lost!" he cried. Then he added, "I now pledge my brother, the handsome Sahadeva."
Everyone present held their breath, for a royal prince was being used as a pawn in the game! Yudhishthira threw the dice and lost again.
"Ah!' chuckled Shakuni softly. Sahadeva is lost. Now he is our slave!"
Then one by one Yudhishthira lost all his brothers and himself too.
Still Shakuni would not let him stop. He leaned forward and reminded him that there still was Draupadi to be staked. Yudhishthira then pledged Draupadi, and lost her too.
Then Duryodhana, laughing aloud, commanded Vidur to fetch Draupadi. "From now on she is our slave!" he said "She shall sweep the palace floors.
But Vidur refused to go. He and Vikarna the youngest of Duryodhana's brothers, admonished him for the wrong he was doing, but Duryodhana's triumph had turned his head. He sent his charioteer to fetch Draupadi from her quarters. When the charioteer came to her, the proud princess refused to go with him. | |
|