Q.- Why did no one stop the dicing game in Mahabharata ?
Ans: The dicing game in the Mahabharata is one of the most dramatic and tragic episodes in the epic. It marks the beginning of the downfall of the Kuru dynasty and leads directly to the great war of Kurukshetra. The question arises — why did no one stop this dangerous game even when it was clearly unfair and destructive? There are several important reasons for this.
1. Respect for Elders and Tradition: In ancient Indian society, respecting elders and kings was considered a sacred duty. The dice game was organized by Dhritarashtra, the blind king of Hastinapur. Since the king had permitted the game, no one dared to oppose his decision. Even wise men like Bhishma, Vidura, and Drona remained silent because they did not want to go against royal authority and tradition.
2. The Influence of Shakuni: Shakuni, the uncle of the Kauravas, was the main mastermind behind the game. He used deceit and trickery to make Yudhishthira lose everything. Shakuni cleverly used his words and manipulated everyone present in the court. His cunning nature and control over Duryodhana made others helpless and confused.
3. Yudhishthira’s Weakness for Gambling: Yudhishthira, though wise and righteous, had one weakness — his love for gambling. When invited to play, he could not refuse because it was against his code of honor as a Kshatriya to reject a challenge. His sense of duty and pride forced him to participate even when he knew the danger.
4. Fear and Silence of the Elders: Many great elders like Bhishma, Drona, and Kripacharya were present in the court, but they remained silent out of fear and helplessness. They knew the game was unjust, but they were bound by loyalty to the throne of Hastinapur. Vidura protested and warned the king, but his advice was ignored.
5. The Blindness of Dhritarashtra’s Love: Dhritarashtra’s love for his son Duryodhana made him blind not only physically but also mentally. He could see the destruction coming, yet he failed to stop it. His weakness as a father and as a ruler allowed the game to continue.
In conclusion, no one stopped the dicing game because of a mixture of fear, tradition, personal weakness, and moral blindness. This tragic silence led to humiliation, anger, and finally, the great war of Kurukshetra — a war that destroyed the very family that once ruled the greatest kingdom of Bharat
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