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Mahabharata
Sambhava Parva (XV)
Tournament of weapons. Trial of arms. Coronation of Karna. Chastisement of Drupadas. Pensiveness of Dhritarashtra. Counsel of Kanika.
Vaishampayana said:
O descendant of the Bharata, seeing the sons of Dhritarashtra and Pandu expert in arms, O king, Drona thus spoke to the king Dhritarashtra, in the presence of Kripa, Somadatta, Balhika, the wise son of Ganga (Bhishma). Vyasa and Vidura.
"O king, O best of the Kurus, your sons have completed their education. Let them with your permission show their proficiency." Thereupon the great king replied with a delightful heart.
Dhritarashtra said:
O best of Brahmanas, you have accomplished a great deed. O son of Bharadvaja, command me yourself as to the place and time, where and when and the manner in which, the trial may be held.
Grief for my blindness makes me envy those men who are blessed with sight and who will see my children's prowess in arms.
O Khattva (Vidura), do all that the respected preceptor says. O lover of virtue, I think nothing can be more agreeable to me than this.
Thereupon Vidura, giving the necessary assurance to the king, went out to do what he was bidden. The greatly learned son of Bharadvaja (Drona) measured a piece of (ground).
Which was void of trees and thickets and which was furnished with wells thickets and which was furnished with wells and springs. On this piece of land, that first of eloquent men, that hero (Drona), gave offerings to the gods according to the precepts of the Shastras, when all the people were assembled by proclamation on an auspicious day with an auspicious star in ascendance. O best of men, the artisans built a great auditorium by the order of the king; (they built) another for the (royal) ladies also according to the proper form. The citizens built many platforms and the wealthy men many spacious and high Sibikas.
When the (fixed) day came, the king accompanied by his ministers, with Bhishma and Kripa, the excellent preceptor, walking at the head (of the procession). Came to the auditorium of celestial beauty, made of pure gold and decked with strings of pearls and stones of Vaidurya gems.
The great fortunate Gandhari and Kunti and the other ladies of the royal household, dressed in gorgeous attire and accompanied by their maids in waiting, joyfully ascended the platforms as celestial ladies ascended the Sumeru mountain. Brahmanas, Kshatriyas and the others of the four orders of caste hurriedly left the city and came running there with the desire of seeing the princes skill in arms and they were so anger that they assembled all there in a moment.
That vast crowd with the noise of blowing trumpets and beating drums and the sounds of many voices became like an agitated ocean.
Then the preceptor, clad in white attire, with white sacred thread, white locks, white bread, white garlands and white sandal-paste besmeared over his body, entered the arena with his son. It appeared as if the moon accompanied (the planet) Mars appeared in an unclouded sky.
The best of strong men, the hero (Drona), entering at the proper time, caused Brahmanas versed in Mantras to celebrate the auspicious rites.
After auspicious and sweet-sounding musical instruments had struck up as a propitiatory ceremony, men equipped with various weapons entered the arena.
Then the best of the Bharata race, (the princes), those mighty car-warriors, having girt up their lions, entered (the arena) equipped with bows, quivers and finger protectors.
With Yudhisthira, at their head, the greatly heroic princes, in the order of their age, began to show wonderful skill in their arms.
Some (spectators) lowered their heads out of fear of the falling arrows, while others not being afraid, looked on with wonder and astonishment.
Riding swift horses and managing them dextrously, the princess hit marks with arrows engraved with their respective names.
On seeing the prowess of the princes in using bows and arrows, the spectators thought they were seeing the city of Gandharva. They were all filled with amazement.
O descendant of Bharata, some hundreds and thousands of men, their eyes expanded with wonder, all at once cried out "Well done! Well done!"
After repeatedly displaying their skill and dexterity in the use of bow and arrows, in the management of cars, in the fight on horseback and on the back of elephants.
They took up their swords and buckles and began to attack one another and to walk around the arena displaying various modes of sword's play.
They all saw their (great) agility, the beauty of the symmetry of their bodies, their grace, their calmness, the firmness of their grasp and the skill in the use of their swords and buckles.
Then Vrikodara (Bhima) and Suyodhana (Duryodhana) entered the (arena)with secret mental delight like two single peaked mountains.
Those mighty-armed heroes girt their lions and summoned all their strength; they roared like two infuriated elephants contending (for a female elephant).
Those two greatly strong (heroes) circled round the arena with faultless clubs and careered right and left in all the proper form.
Vidura described to Dhritarashtra and the mother of the Pandavas (Kunti) to Gandhari all the feats of the princes.
Vaishampayana said:
On the appearance of the Kuru prince (Duryodhana) and the foremost of all strong men Bhima, the spectators were divided into two parties by their partiality swayed by the love (towards each of the contending heroes).
Some cried, "Behold the heroic Kuru prince; some cried, "Behold the heroic Bhima." Thus from these cries of the people rose a great uproar (in the arena).
On seeing the place become like a troubled ocean, the intelligent son of Bharadvaja, (Drona) spoke to his dear son Ashvathama.
Drona said:
"Stop these two mighty heroes, so expert in arms. Let not the anger of the assembled people be excited by this encounter between Bhima and Duryodhana.
Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon the two combatants, with uplifted clubs, resembling two swollen oceans agitated by the winds that blow at the time of the world's dissolution, were stopped by the son of the preceptor.
Then Drona entered the arena and sopping the musicians spoke thus in a voice deep as the roars of the clouds.
"Behold all of you now that Partha who is dearer to me then my own son, who is the master of all arms, who is the son of Indra himself and who is like the younger brother of Indra."
At the command of the preceptor, the youthful Falguni (Arjuna), equipped with finger protector, his quiver full of arrows, with his bow in hand and with a golden armour on, after having performed the propitiatory rites, appeared in the arena like an evening cold reflecting the rays of the setting son and illumined by the. hues of the rainbow and the flashes of lighting.
On this a great cry of joy rose from all parts of the arena and musical instruments were played and conches were blown.
All cried, "This is the handsome son of Kunti, the middle (third) son of Pandu. This is the son of Indra. This the protector of the Kuru race. This is the best of the all name learned in arms. This is the best of all cherisher of virtue. This is the foremost of all well conducted persons. This is their great repository of the knowledge of all (good) manners." Hearing these loud cries of the spectators, the tears of Kunti, mixing with the milk of her breast, drenched her bosom.
Having his ears filled with the uproar, the best of men, Dhritarashtra, asked Vidura with delight,
"O Khattwa, what is this great uproar, like that of the troubled sea, that rises in the arena all of sudden echoing the very heavens?"
Vidura said:
O great king, the son of Pritha and Pandu, Falguni (Arjuna), clad in armour; has entered, the arena; and therefore is this uproar.
Dhritarashtra said:
O high-souled man, I have indeed been blessed, favoured and protected by the three fire (sons) of Pritha (Kunti) who is like the sacred fuel.
Vaishampayana said:
When the spectators some what regained their equanimity, Bibhatsa (Arjuna) displayed before his preceptor his lightness in the use of arms. He created fire by the Agneya weapon, by the Varuna weapon he created water. He created winds by the Vayavya weapon and by the Parjanya weapon, he created the clouds.
He created land by the Bhima weapon and by the Parvata weapon he created the mountains. He made all this to disappear by the Antardhana weapon.
In a moment he appeared tall and in a moment short. He was now yoked in his car; he was in the next moment on the car itself; he was then again on the ground.
The favourite (pupil) of the preceptor (Arjuna) shot by his arrows various marks, some tender, some fine and some of thick composition.
He let fly at one time five arrows from his bow stung into the mouth of a moving iron boar as if they were but one arrow.
That greatly effulgent hero sent twenty one arrows into the hollow of a cow's horn hang upon a rope which was swinging to and fro.
O sinless one, in this manner he (Arjuna), walking round the arena, displayed his profound skill in the use of the sword, bow and club.
O descendant of the Bharata race, when the tournament was almost ended, when the excitement of the spectators cooled down and the sound of music stopped. There was heard at the gate the slapping of arms, betokening power and strength, like the roars of thunder.
"Are mountains splitting? Is the earth going to be rent asunder? Is the sky resounding with the roar of gathering clouds?"
O king, all the spectators in the arena thought thus and turned their eyes towards the gate.
Drona was surrounded by the five brothers, the sons of Pritha and looked like the moon surrounded by the five constellations.
That chastiser of foes, Duryodhana, with his one hundred haughty brothers and with Ashvathama, stood up in haste. That prince (Duryodhana) with his club in his hand, surrounded by his one hundred brothers with uplifted weapons, looked like Indra in the days of yore when he stood surrounded by the celestial at the time of the battle with the Danavas.
Vaishampayana said:
When the spectators, with eyes expended with wonder, made way for that subjugator of hostile cities; Karna, he entered the spacious arena.
He was armed in his natural coat of armour, his face was brightened with his earrings, his bow was in his hand and his sword in his lions, he entered like a walking cliff.
The illustrious destroyer of enemies, the large eyed Karna was born of Pritha (Kunti) in her maidenhood. He was a portion of the hot beamed sun.
His power and energy were like those of lions, the bulls or the best of elephants. He was like the sun in splendour, moon in loveliness and fire in effulgence.
Being born of the sun, he was tall like a golden palm; he was a youth who could slay lions. He was handsome and possessed countless accomplishments.
The mighty armed (hero) looked all around the arena and bowed rather with indifference to Drona and Kripa.
The entire assembly of people remain emotionless and stared in steadfast gaze. They were filled with great curiously and asked one another, "Who is he?"
That foremost of eloquent men, the son of the sun, (Karna) in a voice deep as the roars of clouds, addressed his unknown brother thus -
"O Partha, I shall perform feats before this assembly excelling all that you have done. Behold them and will be amazed."
O best of all eloquent men, when he had hardly finished his words, the spectators stood up all at once as if uplifted by some instrument.
O best of men, Duryodhana was delighted, while Bibhatsa (Arjuna) was filled with abashment and anger.
The greatly powerful Karna, ever fond of battle, displayed with the permission of Drona all that Partha had displayed before.
O descendant of Bharata, Duryodhana with his brothers thereupon embraced Karna with delight and spoke to him thus -
Duryodhana said:
"O mighty armed hero welcome to you! O man deserving of politeness, I have got you by good fortune. Command me and the Kuru kingdom at your pleasure.
Karna said:
When you have said this, I consider it as already accomplished. I only desire your friendship. O lord, I long for a single combat with Arjuna.
Duryodhana said:
Enjoy with me the good things of life. Be the benefactor of your friends. O oppressor of enemies, place your feet on the heads of all foes.
Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon Partha considered himself disgraced and spoke to Karna who stood amidst the (Kuru) brothers like a hill.
Arjuna said:
O Karna, the path which the unwelcome intruder and the uninvited talker comes to shall be yours.
Karna said:
This arena is meant for all; it is not for you alone. O Falguni, they are kings who are superior in power; Kshatriya Dharma depends on prowess alone.
O descendant of Bharata, what need is their of altercation which is the habit of the weak! Speak in arrows, until I cut off your head today in the presence of the preceptor.
Vaishampayana said:
The subduer of hostile cities, Partha, was embraced by his brothers and with the permission of Drona he advanced for the combat.
Thereupon, Karna was embraced by Duryodhana with his brothers. Taking up his bow and arrows he stood ready for fight.
The sky was covered in clouds emitting flashes of lightning and the coloured bow of Indra appeared shedding its effulgent rays. The clouds seemed to be laughing on account of the presence of white cranes that were then flying.
Seeing that Indra was thus showing his affection (towards Arjuna), the sun dispersed the clouds over his son.
Falguni (Arjuna) was invisible under cover of the clouds, but Karna was visible on account of the clouds being dispersed from him by the sun.
The sons of Dhritarashtra stood by Karna and the son of Bharadvaja, (Drona) Kripa and Bhishma stood by Partha.
The assembly was also divided into two parties, so were the ladies also. And on learning the affair the daughter of Bhoja, Kunti fainted away.
The learned in all the precepts of virtue, Vidura, revived the insensible Kunti by sprinkling over (her face) water mixed with sandal-paste.
O being revived she was seized with fear on seeing her two sons clad in armour, but she could do nothing.
When the two (heroes) were ready with their great bows raised up, the son of Sharadvana, Kripa, well versed in all the precepts of virtue and expert in the rules of duels, said -
Kripa said:
"This son of Pandu is the youngest child of Kunti. He is a Kuru and he will fight a duel with you. O mighty armed hero, you should also tell us the lineage of your father and mother and the royal line in which you are an ornament.
Knowing this, Partha will fight with you, or he will not fight (as he will think proper.) The sons of kings never fight a duel with men of inferior lineage.
Vaishampayana said:
Thus addressed, Karna's face was flushed with the blushes of shame and it looked like the pale lotus torn and disfigured by the showers of rains.
Duryodhana said:
O preceptor, it is said in the Shastras that three classes of men cam claim royalty, namely persons of noble birth, heroes and those that lead soldiers.
But if Falguni is unwilling to fight with one who is not a king, I install him (Karna) as the king of Anga.
Vaishampayana said:
When the cheers cease at that very moment the greatly powerful car-warrior Karna, seated on a golden seat, the (royal) umbrella over his head and yak tails waved by his side, was installed king of Anga by the Brahmanas, learned in the Mantras, in the proper form, with paddy, flowers, Ghata (water pots) and much fold.
O king, (Karna) said to the Kauravas (Duryodhana), "What shall I give you compared," your gift of a kingdom! O king O best of men, I shall do all you will command." Suyodhana (Duryodhana) replied, "I long for your friendship."
Having been thus addressed, Karna replied. "Be it so." They thereupon embraced each other in joy and felt great happiness.
Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon Adhiratha (Karna's father), with his sheet loosely hanging down, trembling and perspiring, supporting himself on a stuff, entered the arena.
Seeing him, Karna left his bow and impelled by filial regard bowed his head, wet with the water of his coronation.
The charioteer (Adhiratha) hurriedly covered his feet with the end of his sheet and addressed the successful Karna as his son.
He (Adhiratha) embraced him (Karna) and wetted his head with tears, his head which was still wet with the water sprinkled over it at his coronation as the king of Anga.
Seeing him (Adhiratha) the Pandavas considered him to be a son of a charioteer and Bhishma jeeringly said,
'O Charioteer's son, you deserve no to be killed by Partha in the battle. You should better take up the whip (instead of the sword) which befits your race.
O worst of men, you are not worthy of enjoying the kingdom of Anga, as a dog deserves not the ghee placed before the sacrificial fire."
Thus addressed Karna looked at the sun in the sky and with slightly quivering lips he heaved a deep sigh.
Like a mad elephant the greatly strong Duryodhana rose in anger from among his brothers, who were like an assemblage of lotuses.
He said to that doer of fearful deeds, Bhimasena there present, "Vrikodara, you should not speak such words.
The strength is the cardinal virtue of the Kshatriyas; even a man of inferior birth deserve to be fought with. The sources of heroes and rivers are the same, both the always unknown.
The fore that covers the whole world rises from water. The Danava destroying thunder was made of Dadhichi's bone.
It is heard that the birth of the illustrious god Guha (Kartikeya) is full of all mysteries. Some say he is the son of Agni, (some say) he is the son of Kirtika, (some again say) he is the son of Rudra and (other say) he is the son of Ganga.
It is also heard that those that were born Kshatriyas became Brahmanas. Vishvamitra and other attained to eternal Brahma.
The foremost of all wielders of arms, the preceptor (Drona), was born in a water vessel and the son of Gautama (Kripa) sprung from a clump of heath.
I know also about your own birth. Can a deer give birth to this tiger, as effulgent as the sun, born with a natural armour and ear-rings and possessing all auspicious mark?
This lord of men deserves the sovereignty of not only Anga but of the whole world, by the prowess of his arms and by my obedience to him.
If there is any one to whom all that I have done to him (Karna) has became intolerable, let him ascend his car and bend his bow with the help of his feet."
Thereupon there arose a loud cheer among all the spectators, approving of Duryodhana's speech. At this time the sun went down.
Then king Duryodhana took Karna's hand and led him out of the arena lighted with countless lamps.
The Pandavas also with Drona, Kripa and Bhishma returned to their own homes. All the people also went the respective houses.
O descendant of the Bharata race, some of them named Arjuna), some Karna and some Duryodhana (as the victor of the day) as they went away.
Kunti also was much pleased out of her motherly love towards her son Karna, for he had various auspicious marks on his person and for he was installed as the king of Anga.
O king, Duryodhana, having obtained Karna, banished his fears arising out of Arjuna's proficiency in arms.
And that hero, (Karna), accomplished in arms also began to gratify Duryodhana with sweet speeches; and Yudhisthira was impressed with the belief that there was no warrior like Karna on earth.
Vaishampayana said:
Seeing the sons of Pandu and Dhritarashtra accomplished in arms, Drona thought that the time had come when he could demand the preceptor's Dakshina (remuneration).
O king, one day assembling his pupils together, the preceptor Drona asked his Dakshina from them all, saying -
"Seize the kind of Panchala, Drupada, in battle and bring him to me. That will be the most acceptable Dakshina to me".
Saying "Be it so," they all ascended their chariots with their arms and marched out with Drona in order to pay the remuneration to their preceptor.
Those best of man destroyed the Panchalas and went to the capital of the greatly powerful Drupada and attacked it. Duryodhana, Karna, greatly strong Yuyutsu, Dushasana, Vikama, Jalasandha, Sulochana. These and many other princes of great prowess, all foremost of Kshatriyas, vied with one another to become foremost in the attack.
The princes, riding on first class chariots and followed by cavalry, entered the hostile capital and proceeded along its streets.
At this time the king of the Panchalas, seeing the great army and hearing its roar, soon came out of his palace with all his brothers.
The king Yajnasena (Drupada) was well armed, but he was assailed by them (Kurus) with a shower of arrows, all uttering their war cry.
The invincible warrior, Yajnasena, riding on his white chariot, attacked the Kurus and began to rain his fearful arrows.
Vaishampanya said:
Seeing the pride of the princes, Partha (Arjuna) spoke thus to the preceptor, that excellent Brahmana Drona.
"We shall display our power when they would finish theirs. The are not capable of killing the king of the Panchalas in the battle."
Having sslid this, that sinless son of Kunti (Arjuna) with his brothers waited outside the city at a distance of a mile.
Seeing the Kauravas, Drupada rushed forward and afflicted the Kuru army with a shower of arrows. Such was his lightness of motion on the field of battle that though he was fighting alone on a single chariot, the Kurus thought in fear that there was more then one Drupada.
The fearful arrows of Drupada fell on all sides and thousands of conches, trumpets and drums began to be sounded by the Panchalas in their houses. O great king, a terrible roar, like that of the lion, rose from the mighty Panchalas. The great sound of the twang of their bow-strings seemed to rend the very sky.
(Thereupon) Duryodhana, Vikama, Subahu, Dirghalochana and Dushasana, becoming furious, began to shower arrows upon the enemy. The mighty bow-man, the son of Prishata (Drupada), invincible in battle, though pierced with arrows. Instantly began to afflict the hostile army. O descendant of the Bharata race, careering over the field of battle like a fiery wheel, he smote with his arrows Duryodhana, Vikama, even greatly powerful Kama and many other heroic princes and various other soldiers and slaked their thirst for battle.
Then the citizens showered upon the Kurus club, maces and other missiles, like cloud's showering rains.
O descendant of the Bharata race, young and old, all the citizens, hearing of the battle, rushed out and assailed the Kurus. They (Kurus) broke and fled, wailing towards the Pandavas; and the Pandavas, hearing their terrible wall. Ascended their cars after duly worshipping Drona. Then Arjuna, hastily asking Yudhisthira not to engage in the fight by saying "Don't fight".
At that time appointing the sons of Madri (Nakula and Sahadeva) as the protectors of his chariot wheels, rushed out. And Bhima, ever in the front, ran ahead with his club in his hand.
The sinless son of Kunti (Arjuna), thus accompanied by his brother, hearing the shouts of the enemy, advanced towards them, filling the whole region with the rattle of the wheels of his chariot.
As a Makara enters the sea, so the mighty-armed Yama-like Bhima with his club in his hand entered the Panchala ranks and roared as fiercely as the ocean in a tempest. Ever skillful in battle, Bhima, the son of Pritha, upraising his club, attacked the soldiers riding on elephants with the powers of his arms like the great destroyer himself.
Those huge animals like mountains, struck with Bhima's club, had their heads broken into pieces and they fill covered with blood, like cliffs loosened by thunder.
The Pandava, the elder of Arjuna, (Bhima) felled to the ground elephants and horses and cars by thousands and killed many foot soldiers and car-warriors. As a herdsman drives the cattle with his stuff in the wood, so did Vrikodara drive before him the chariots and elephants (of the hostile force).
Vaishampayana said:
Falguni (Arjuna), eager to do the favourite work of the son of Bharadvaja, (Drona), felled the son of Prishata (Drupada) from his elephant, covering him with arrows. O king, like the fire at the end of a Yuga, he felled in the battle thousands of horses, car and elephants.
Thereupon all the Panchalas and the Shrinjyas, being thus attacked (by Arjuna), assailed Partha with a shower of weapons of various kinds.
They uttered from their mouths great shouts like the roars of lions and they desperately attacked the Pandava (Arjuna). The battle became fearful and furious to be hold. Hearing their great leonine shouts, he (Arjuna) became filled with wrath.
Kirti (Arjuna) immediately assailed the Panchalas in the battle and covering them with a shower of arrows, he greatly confused them.
They, that saw the son of Kunti (at that time), could not mark any interval between his fixing the arrows on the bowstring and letting them off.
The whole place was filled with leonine shouts mixed with cheers of approval. Thereupon the king of the Panchalas, accompanied with Satyajit (his commander-in-chief). Rushed towards him with speed, as Indra did towards (the Danava) Shambara, Partha covered the Panchala king with a thick shower of arrows.
Thereupon arose a great uproar among the Panchala-host like the roar of a great lion when springing on the leader of a heard of elephants.
Seeing Arjuna rush towards the Panchala-king for slaying him, greatly powerful Satyajit attacked him. The two heroes (Arjuna and the Panchala-king) rushed upon each other like Indra upon Virochanas; and they broke each other's ranks.
Thereupon Parth "pierced Satyajit with ten keen arrows" at which feat the spectators were all amazed.
Thereupon the Panchala (Satyajit) covered Partha with one hundred arrows. That great car-warrior Arjuna rubbed his bow-string in order to increase the force and velocity of his arrows. Then covering the enemy with a shower of arrows, he cut off the bow of Satyajit and rushed upon the king (Drupada).
But Satyajit immediately took up an other bow and he soon pierced with arrows Partha, with his chariot, charioteer and horses.
Thus being assailed, the hero Partha did not forgive the Panchala (Satyajit). In order to kill him soon, he (Arjuna) pierced with a number of arrows.
(His enemy's) horses, flags, bow, clenched fist, charioteer and the attendant at his back. Seeing his bow repeatedly cut down. And his horses slain as often, he (Satyajit) desisted from the fight. Seeing Satyajit thus desisted from the fight. The king (Drupada) attacked the Pandava (Arjuna) with great speed. Then that foremost of victorious heroes. Arjuna, fought a wonderful battle.
Cutting off his bow and felling his flat-staff on the grounds he pierced his enemy's horses and charioteer with five arrows.
Thereupon that son of Kunti (Arjuna), throwing aside his bow and taking off his quiver, took up a scimitar and sent forth a leonine shout.
He suddenly leaped from his chariot and fell on that of the Panchala-king. Dhananjaya (Arjuna) stood fearlessly on the chariot of the Panchala-king. He seized him (Drupada) as Garuda seized a huge snake after agitating the waters of the deep sea. Thereupon all the Panchalas ran away in all directions.
Showing the prowess of arms to all the hosts, Dhananjaya (Arjuna), sending forth a leonine shout, came out (of the Panchala ranks).
Seeing him return (with his captive), the princes laid waste the capital of the illustrious Drupada.
Arjuna said:
This best of kings Drupada is a relative of the Kuru heroes. Therefore, O Bhima, do not kill his soldiers. Let us only give out preceptor's remuneration.
Vaishampayana said:
O king thus prevented by Arjuna, the greatly strong Bhima, though unsatiated with the battle, refrained from the act of slaughter.
O best of the Bharata race, thus seizing Yajnasena Drupada in the battle with his ministers, they offered him to Drona.
(Seeing the king) humiliated and deprived of wealth and brought under his complete control, Drona remembered his former hostility towards him and he thus spoke to him.
"Your kingdom and your capital have been laid waste by me. Receiving your like at my hand, do you desire to revive our old friendship?".
Having said this, he smiled a little and again said, "O hero, do not fear for your life. We are Brahmans that are ever-forgiving.
O beast of Kshatriyas, from that day when in your boyhood you played with me in the hermitage, my love and affection for you have grown up.
O king, I ask for your friendship again. O king, I grant you as a boon half of your kingdom.
O Yajnasena, how can one be a friend of a king who is not a king? And therefore I retain half of your kingdom.
You became the king of the territory lying on the southern side of the Bhagirathi and I become that of the northern side. O Panchala, if it please you, know me henceforth as your friend."
Drupada said:
O Brahmana, this is not (at all) wonderful to the man of noble soul and great prowess. I am pleased with you and I desire to give you everlasting pleasure.
Vaishampayana said:
O descendant of Bharata, having been thus addressed, Drona released him (Drupadas); and cheerfully performing the usual offices of regard, he bestowed upon him the half of the kingdom.
(Receiving the territory named) Makandi with many towns and cities, situated on the banks of the Ganges, Drupada lived in the best of cities, called Kampilya. After his defeat by Drona, he (Drupada) also ruled over the southern Panchala upto the banks of the Charmanavati river.
He was well convinced that his could not defeat Drona by Kshatriya might alone, he being very much inferior to him in Brahma (spiritual) power. He therefore wandered over the world to find the means of obtaining a son (who could defeat Drona). (Meanwhile) Drona lived at Ahichatra.
Which was full of towns and cities and which was bestowed upon him by Partha after defeating the hero (Drupada).
Vaishampayana said:
O king, after the expiration of a year (from this), the son of Pandu, Yudhisthira, was installed as the heir-apparent. For he was noted for his firmness, fortitude, patience, benevolence, frankness and unswerving honesty of heart.
Thereupon, within a very short time, the son of Kunti, Yudhisthira, overshadowed the deeds of his father by his good behaviour, manners and close application to business.
The Pandava Vrikodara began to receive lessons from Sankarshana (Balarama) in sword-fight, club-fight and car-fight.
At the end of his education (in arms), he became in strength equal to Duymutsena. He remained in harmony with his brothers, becoming great in prowess.
Arjuna became famous for the firmness of his grasp (of weapons), for his lightness of motion, his precision of aim and his proficiency in Kshura, Naracha, BhaDa, Vipatha and other straight, crooked and heavy weapons. And Drona said that there was none in the world who was equal to Bibhatsa (Arjuna) in lightness of hand and in general proficiency. Thereupon (one day) Drona thus spoke to Gudakesha (Arjuna) before the assembly of Kauravas.
In the time of yore Agastya had a disciple in the science of arms. Who was known as Agnivesha. He was my preceptor and I was his disciple. O descendant of Bharata, I obtained from him by asceticism a weapon, known by the name of Brahmashira, which can never be futile and which is like thunder itself and capable of consume; the whole earth. That weapon from what I have done may now descend from disciple to disciple. Giving it to me, my preceptor said, "O son of Bharadvaja, do not hurl this weapon against any human being and against one who possess but little energy." O hero, (Arjuna), you have obtained that celestial weapon (from me); none else deserves it. But O Vishampata, obey the command of that best of Rishis (Agnivesha). Now give your preceptor's Dakshina before all your relatives and cousins.
Falguni (Arjuna) promised to the preceptor "To give (the Dakshina)." Drona said, "O sinless one, you must fight with me when I fight with you."
That best of Kurus promised this also to Drona. Touching his feet, he went away northwards.
There arose a great shout covering the whole earth, bounded by the belt of sea. "There was no bowman in the whole world equal to Arjuna."
Pandava Dhananjaya became proficient in club-fight, sword-fight, car-fight and bow-fight.
Sahadeva, obtaining the whole science of morality and duties from the lord of all science Drona, remained obedient to his brothers. Nakula, the favourite of his brothers, taught by Drona, became known ass a skilful warrior and a car-warrior.
Arjuna and the other Pandava princes became so powerful that they killed in battle the great Sauvira who had performed a sacrifice extending for three years, (remaining) undaunted by the attacks of the Gandharvas. The Yavana king, whom the powerful Pandu could not bring under subjection, was (also brought by Arjuna under control.
The great powerful and ever showing disregard for the Kurus. The king, named Vipula of the Sauviras was slain by the intelligent Partha. Arjuna also subjugated by means of his arrows king Sumitra of Sauvira, also known as Dattamitra, who always sought for an encounter with him.
The third of the Pandava princes, assisted by Bhima, on only one single car, subjugated all the kings of the East backed by ten thousand cars.
In the same way Dhananjaya conquered on a single car the whole of the South; and he sent immense booty to the kingdom of the Kurus. Thus did the foremost of men, the illustrious Pandavas.Conquering the kingdoms of others, extended their own kingdom in the time of yore.
Seeing the great prowess and strength of these mighty bow-men, King Dhritarashtra's mind became suddenly poisoned against the Pandavas. From that day that king became filled with so much anxiety that he could not sleep.
Vaishampayana said:
Hearing that the heroic sons of Pandu were endued with great energy and prowess, the king Dhritarashtra became very miserable with anxiety.
Thereupon summoning that best of ministers, Kanika, learned in politics and expert in counsels, Dhritarashtra said:
Dhritarashtra said:
O best of Brahmanas, the Pandavas are daily over-shadowing the earth. I am very jealous of them. Should I have peace or war with them? O Kanika, advise me truly; I shall do your bidding.
Vaishampayana said:
That best of Brahmanas feel answered him in these pointed words, well-agreeing with the import of politics.
Kanika said:
O sinless king, listen to me as I answer. O best of the Kurus, you should not be angry with me on hearing what I say.
Kings should ever be ready with upraised scepter (to rule) and they should ever extend their prowess. Carefully avoiding all faults of theirs, they should ceaselessly watch for the faults of others.
If the king is ever ready with his uplifted scepter, every one fears him. Therefore he should ever have recourse to his scepter (chastisement) in all he does.
He should so act as others (his enemies) may not find any fault in him. But he should see the faults (defects) others. He should keep his resources concealed as does a tortoise his members of body. Having begun a particular act, he should ever completely accomplish it. A thorn, if not wholly extracted, produces a fostering sore.
The killing of a harmful foe is always praiseworthy. If he be powerful, if he be a great warrior, one should watch for the hour of his disaster and then kill him without any scruple. O son, if the enemy be weak, still he should not be scorned.
A spark of fire can consume a forest if it can spread from object to object. They (kings) should sometimes feign deafness and blindness; for if they are incapable of chastising, they should pretend not to notice the faults. They should then consider their bows as made of straw.
But they should be as watchful as a herd of deer sleeping (in the woods). When your enemy will be in your hands, destroy him by any means, open or secret. Do not show him any mercy, though he seeks your protection.
An old enemy should be killed even by winning him over by wealth. Thus you must be free of anxiety, for there is no fear from a dead man.
Destroy all the three, five and seven resources of the enemy; you must destroy them (enemies) by completely uprooting them.
Then you should destroy their allies and partisans. If the root (principal) is destroyed, they (allies) can never exist.
If the root of the lord of the forest (tree) is uprooted, its branches and twigs can never exist as before. Carefully concealing your own weakness and watching those of your enemies.
O king, you should rule over your kingdom, ever being very watchful.
By maintaining the perpetual fire by sacrifices, by brown clothes, by matted locks and skin cloth. You should first gain the confidence of men (your enemies); and then you should spring upon them like a wolf.
It is said that in earning wealth, hypocrisy is a cheap means. As a hooked staff is used to bend down a bough of a tree of pluck the ripe fruits.
So this method should be adopted in destroying one's own enemies. Carry your enemy on your shoulder till the time comes.
When the times come, you can throw him down and break him into pieces as a earthen vessel is broken being thrown on stones. An enemy should never be allowed to escape, even if he piteously addresses you. You ought not to show him any mercy; he must be slain at once. Enemies should be destroyed by the arts of conciliation or the expenditure of money or by producing disunion amongst his allies or by the employment of every means in your power.
Dhritarashtra said:
Tell me in detail how can a foe be destroyed by the arts of conciliation, or the expenditure of money or by producing disunion or by the employment offeree.
Kanika said:
O king, hear what happened in the days of yore. O great king, there dwelt in the forest a jackal well-acquainted with the science of politics.
The Jackal was wise and mindful of his own interest. He lived in the company of four friends, namely a tiger, a wolf, a mouse and a mongoose. They saw in the woods a strong deer, the leader of a herd, whom however they could not seize for his fleetness and strength. Thereupon they held a consultation.
The Jackal said:
O tiger, you have made many attempts to seize this deer, but your efforts were in vain, for this deer is young, fleet and intelligent. Let the mouse go and eat into its feet when it is asleep. When his feet will be thus eaten, let the tiger go and seize it. Then we shall all eat it with a delightful heart.
Hearing these words of the jackal, they carefully did what he said. The feet of the deer being eaten up by the mouse, he was killed by the tiger.
The Jackal said, " Blessed be you! Go and perform your ablutions. I shall look after it (the deer)".
Hearing what the Jackal said, they all went to a river. The Jackal waited there, deeply meditating what he should do (next).
The greatly strong tiger came first after his bath and saw the Jackal sitting in a pensive mind.
The Tiger said:
O greatly wise one, what are you pondering over? You are the foremost of all intelligent persons. Let us enjoy ourselves (now) by feasting on this carcass.
The Jackal said:
O mighty armed one, hear what the mouse has said. (He said)" Fie on the strength of the king of beasts (tiger). The deer has been killed by me.
He will gratify his hunger today by the might of my arms." When he has thus boasted, I, for my part, do not wish to touch this food.
The Tiger said:
If the mouse has really said this, my sense is awakened. I shall from this day kill with the might of my own arms the beasts of the forest and feast on their flesh. Having said this he went away into the forest. At this time the mouse came there. Seeing him come, the Jackal thus spoke to him.
The Jackal said:
Blessed by you, O mouse. Listen to what the mongoose has said.
(He said) "The flesh of this deer is poisoned (by the touch of the tiger). I shall not eat it. If you give me permission I shall eat the mouse."
Having heard this, the mouse became alarmed and he quickly entered his hole. O king, then after his bath came there the wolf.
On his coming, the Jackal spoke to him thus. The king of the beasts (tiger) has become angry with you. No good will come to you. He will be soon here with his wife. Do now as you please. The wolf, ever fond of animal food, fled contracting his body into the smallest dimensions; and thus was he got rid of by the jackal. At this time the mongoose came.
O great king, the jackal thus spoke to the mongoose in the forest. I have defeated others with the might of my arms and they have already fled away. Fight with me first and then eat this flesh as you please.
The Mongoose said:
When the king of the beasts (tiger) the wolf and the intelligent mouse have all been defeated by you, heroes as they are, you seem to be a greater hero than they. I do not desire (therefore) to fight with you. Saying this he went away.
Kanika said:
When thus they all went away, the jackal was much pleased in his heart for the success of policy and he alone ate the flesh (of that deer).
If kings act in this way, they can always be happy. Thus should the timid, by exciting their fears, the courageous by the arts of conciliation, the covetous by gift of wealth and the inferiors and the equals by the exhibition of prowess, be brought into subjugation. O king, besides what I have said, listen to something else that I say.
If your son, friend, brother and father, or even your preceptor, become your enemy. If you desire prosperity, you should.
Destroy him by curses, by incantations, by gift of wealth, by poison or by deception. He should never be neglected out of scorn. If both the parties be equal and success uncertain, then he who acts with diligence grows in prosperity.
If the preceptor himself be vain, ignorant of what should be done and what should be left undone and vicious in his ways, even he should be chastised.
If you are angry, show yourself as if you are not so, speaking then with even smiles. O descendant of Bharatas, never reprove any one with indications of anger. Speak soft words before you hit (your enemy), (speak soft words) even when you are hitting (your enemy). After hitting (your enemy), pity the victim and grieve for him and even shed tears.
Securing confidence (of the enemy) by conciliation, by gift of wealth and by long kind behaviour. You must destroy him if he does not walk aright.
The greatly sinful men live as if they are very virtuous. He conceals his sins, as black clouds cover the mountains.
You should burn the house of those that should be killed by you. You should never permit beggars, atheists and thieves to live in you kingdom.
By a sudden sally or pitched battle, by poison, by gift of wealth, or by any means, you must destroy your enemy. You can act with the greatest cruelty. You should make your teeth sharp (enough) to bite with fatal effect.
You must destroy him so effectually that he may not again raise up his head. You should always fear even those from whom you have no fear. If you do not fear a man, by your root may be destroyed (your ruin may come).
You should never trust the faithless, nor should you trust too much those that are faithful. If fear (enmity) is engendered in a man whom you trust, your root may be destroyed (your total ruin may come).
The spies should be first carefully tested of their fidelity and then they should be appointed in your own (kingdom) or in (the kingdom of others). The spies in the kingdoms of others should be scoundrels and persons in the garbs of ascetic.
They should be (placed) in gardens. In place of amusements, in temples. In drinking-balls, in streets and with all the Tirthas (state officials), in place of sacrifice, near wells, on mountains, in forests. In all places where people congregate and on rivers. They should move about in these places.
They should be humble in speech, but their hearts must be as sharp as the razors. When
you are engaged in doing a very cruel and terrible act, you should talk with smiles on your lips.
If you desire for prosperity, you must (adopt these acts namely) fold your hands, be humble, take oath, use conciliation, worship the feet of others by lowering your head and inspire hope.
A man of policy should be like a tree decked with flowers but bearing no fruits. If there be any fruit, it must be inaccessible and at a great height. If ripe, they must look raw. Such a man never fades.
Trivarga, (Dharma, Artha and Kama) has three evils knit together (with three goods). Extracting the good from it, the evil should be avoided. He who practices virtue has also two diseases, (evil to cope with).
(Namely) the want of wealth and the neglect of pleasure. Those in pursuit of pleasure are made unhappy for the neglect of the two others. And those who pursue pleasure suffer for the want of virtue and wealth.
Therefore you should pursue virtue, wealth and pleasure in such a way that you may not have to suffer in any way. With humiliation and attention, without jealousy and solicitations, you should in all sincerity consult with Brahmanas in accomplishing your purpose.
When you are fallen, you should raise yourself by any means, either gentle or violent.
When you have raised yourself, you should practice virtue.
The man who has never met with any calamity can never have prosperity. This is seen in the life of one who has passed through calamities.
He who is afflicted with sorrow should be consoled by the recitation of old history. The ignorant (should be consoled) by the hope of future prosperity and the learned by pleasing office. He who quietly responses after concluding a treaty with an enemy, considering himself crowned with success.
Is like a person who awakes after having fallen down from the top of a tree where he slept. Counsel should be kept concealed without the fear of calumny.
And while seeing everything with the eyes of his spies, he should conceit his own thoughts before the spies of others like a fisherman who becomes rich by catching and killing fish, a king grows prosperous by tearing the vitals of his enemy and by doing some violent acts.
The strength of your enemy as represented by his force should always be completely destroyed, by ploughing it up, by moving it down or by afflicting it with disease, starvation and want of drink.
A person in want never goes to a person in affluence. When your purpose has been fulfilled, you need not go to the man whom you have hitherto looked to for its accomplishment.
Therefore, when you do a thing, do it completely, leaving nothing to be done. He who desires prosperity, should diligently exert to seek for allies and means in order to conduct his war.
He should act in such a way that both friends and foes may not know his intention before the commencement of the act. Let them know it when the act has been commenced or ended.
As long as danger does not come, so long only should you look as if you are afraid. Seeing the danger already come, you should grapple it courageously.
The man, who trusts his enemy who is already under his control, invites his own death as a mule by her conception.
You should consider the future acts as already arrived. Else on account of the loss of reason, you may overlook an important point (in accomplishing the act). He who desires prosperity, should always exert himself with energy and prudence.
Adopting his measures (suited) to time and place, destiny and Dharma, Artha and Kama. It is well known that time and place produce the greatest good.
If an enemy is despised and over looked, he may soon grow like a palm tree extending its roots, or like a spark of fire in the deep forest that may soon flame upto a great conflagration.
As a small fire, if fed with fagots, soon becomes capable of coming all, so a man who increase his power making alliances, soon becomes capable of vanquishing even the strongest foe.
The hope, that you give to your enemy, should be long deferred to be fulfilled. When the time comes for fulfilling it, invent some pretext to defer it still. Let the pretext appear as founded on some reason and let that reason (also) appear as founded on some other reason.
Unpitying and sharp, concealed in their leathern cases, striking when opportunity comes, sweeping of all hair, kings should resemble razors in the mater of destroying their enemy.
O supporter of the Kuru dignity, act with the Pandavas and others as policy dictates and (act) in such a way that you may not have to repent in future. I have not the least doubt that you are endued with every blessing and good fortune, O king, therefore, protect yourself from the sons of Pandu.
O king, the sons of Pandu are stronger than their cousins (your sons). O chastiser of foes, I tell you plainly what you ought to do.
Vaishampayana said:
Having said this Kanika went away to his house and the descendant of Kuru Dhritarashtra become pensive and sad.
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