Reading Notes: Mahabharata Part B

 For the reading over Mahabharata, I chose the version written by R.K. Narayan. This version is similar to the one of Ramayana that I read in that it is a shortened modern version of the Indian Epic. I found myself enjoying these versions better because they are easier to follow and comprehend for me. I will be taking notes over some of the most interesting subparts in part B.

Part 41. The Pandavas at Indraprastha.

• Duryodhana is distressed to find out the Pandavas are still alive
• His father on the other hand cannot find himself to be as angry
• Bhishma and Vidura encourage Dhritarashtra to make peace
• Duryodhana finds himself conflicted on how to feel
• So Dhritarashtra gives the Pandavas a part of his kingdom.
• The Pandavas build a city called Indraprastha

Part 50. Shakuni and Duryodhana.

• Shakuni suggests to Duryodhana that they can get their revenge on the Pandavas
• This is done in a game of dice
• Shakuni was an expert player
• While Yudhishthira has no experience in the game.
• Vyasa came to warn the Pandavas of the bad omen that he felt
• Dhritarashtra builds a crystal palace
• Vidura came to invite the Pandavas to the Crystal Palace for a game of dice
• As a Kshatriya, Yudhishthira cannot refuse this challenge
• He and the Pandavas go to the Crystal Palace

Part 55. The first Game of Dice.

• Shakuni played in the dice game in Duryodhana's place.
• Yudhishthira lost everything he owned
• Vidura urged Dhritarashtra to stop the game
• The game continued
• Yudhishthira then gambled away his brothers, and then himself
• Yudhishthira then gambled away Draupadi
• She was confused how this was possible considering he had already gambled himself away
• She was on her period and did not want to appear in public
• She was dragged by her hair to the Crystal Palace
• Karna orders the Pandavas to strip off their robes
• Duryodhana then orders Draupadi to undress as well
• She calls to Krishna for help
• As her sari is pulled off another one in place appears

Part 66. The Second Game.

• Duryodhana, Shakuni, and Karna talk after the Pandavas' leave
• Duryodhana is so angry he urges his father to invite them for a second match
• Duryodhana's mother, Gandhari doesn't believe that this is a good idea
• Sadly the invitation was made
• Yudhishthira accepts again
• The stake was thirteen years of exile which meant twelve years in poverty, followed by one year in disguise
• Yudhishthira lost and the Pandavas went into exile
• They went to the Ganga river
• Yudhishthira prays to Surya, the Sun God
• He gave him a copper bowl which is ensured an endless food supply
• This allowed Yudhishthira to feed all the people that went with him

Bibliography. R.K. Narayan, Mahabharata, pp.41-83

(Image of the Dice Game)