Author(s): Dr. RAJALAKSHMY M
Abstract:
Gambling episode is one of the most moving episodes in the whole of the Mahābhārata. It is depicted in the Sabhāparva where in Draupadī is treated with inhuman cruelty by rude creatures in the guise of human beings. It was during her prime period of fame she received most devastating insults and became a subject of rage and revenge. Except Vikarṇa and Vidura none of the so called heroes assembled in the palace of Hastinapura utter a word in favour of Draupadī who was undergoing through a most humiliating situation. No woman even Gāndhārī or Kuntī come forward as a helping hand to Draupadi while she was dragging from harem to assembly hall. The decision of Yudhiṣṭhira to accept the invitation of Dhṛtarāṣṭra to engage in suhrdyūtaḥ- a friendly play of dice with Kaurava-s is bit surprising because Yudhiṣṭhira was none other than Dharmaputra, the son of Dharma and he knew quite well that the play of dice is against the codes of Dharma and its outcome will be misfortunes and tragedies. Thus this episode is pregnant with several contradictions and uncertainties. The present paper is an attempt to re - read the gambling episode under the light of modern feministic and socio cultural perspectives.
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