Q.- Explain the role of Shakuni in the Dicing.
Ans : Shakuni is one of the most cunning and controversial characters in the Mahabharata. He was the maternal uncle of the Kauravas, the brother of Gandhari. Among all the elders in Hastinapura, Shakuni played the most crucial role in bringing about the game of dice (Dyutakrida), which later led to the great war of Kurukshetra.
1. Shakuni’s Nature and Qualities : Shakuni was clever, manipulative, and skilled in the game of dice. He had the talent of controlling dice in such a way that the outcome always favored him. His sharp mind and trickery made him dangerous. Unlike Bhishma, Vidura, or Drona, who gave moral advice, Shakuni always encouraged deceit and cunning strategies.
2. His Motive : Shakuni had deep hatred for the Kuru dynasty. Some versions of the epic state that he wanted revenge because his own family had suffered at the hands of Dhritarashtra’s ancestors. He saw the rivalry between Kauravas and Pandavas as an opportunity to destroy the unity of the Kuru family. His motive was not just to support Duryodhana but also to cause division and conflict.
3. Role in the Dicing Episode :-
- Instigation: Shakuni instigated Duryodhana by feeding his jealousy against the Pandavas, especially after the Rajasuya sacrifice where Yudhishthira was honored.
- Plan: He advised Duryodhana that the easiest way to defeat Yudhishthira was not on the battlefield but in a game of dice, because Yudhishthira was weak in gambling.
- Execution: He persuaded Dhritarashtra to invite Yudhishthira for a game of dice. Shakuni himself played on behalf of Duryodhana.
- Cheating: Using his skill, Shakuni manipulated the dice and ensured that Yudhishthira lost every round. One by one, Yudhishthira lost his wealth, his kingdom, his brothers, himself, and finally Draupadi.
- Turning Point: Draupadi’s humiliation in the Kaurava court was the direct result of Shakuni’s tricks. This incident became the turning point of the epic.
4. Consequences of Shakuni’s Role :- Shakuni’s cunning led to:
- The exile of the Pandavas.
- The humiliation of Draupadi.
- The sowing of seeds of hatred that finally led to the Kurukshetra war.
Conclusion : Thus, Shakuni’s role in the dicing episode was central and destructive. He acted as the brain behind Duryodhana’s evil plans. Without Shakuni, the dice game might never have happened. His manipulative nature, gambling skills, and thirst for revenge made him one of the chief causes of the Mahabharata war.
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