01.130
Core:Conversation between Dhritarastra and Duryodhana to banish Pandavas.
Vaiśampāyana said:
Then Dhṛtarāṣṭra, having heard such words from his son, reflected for a moment and then said to Duryodhana.
Pāṇḍu was always devoted to righteousness, and was dear and honored by me—especially more than all our relatives.
I never knew any of his intentions—even regarding food; for he always dutifully informed me even about the kingdom.
Just as Pāṇḍu was devoted to righteousness, so is his son—virtuous, world-renowned, and highly esteemed by the citizens.
How can we forcibly remove him—especially when he has allies—from the kingdom that is his paternal and ancestral right?
Pāṇḍu’s ministers and army were indeed constantly supported by him, and even their sons and grandsons were especially provided for.
The Paurava people, who were formerly honored by Pāṇḍu, how would they not slay us and our kinsmen for the sake of Yudhiṣṭhira?
Duryodhana said:
Thus, father, I have considered this fault in myself, and seeing it, I have gained the allegiance of all ministers by means of wealth.
Surely they will be our chief allies. The treasury along with the ministers is now under my control, O king.
Your honor should quickly exile the Pāṇḍavas to the city of Vāraṇāvata, using a gentle means.
When the kingdom is firmly established in me, O king, then Kuntī along with her sons will return, O Bhārata.
Dhṛtarāṣṭra said:
O Duryodhana, even in my heart this idea keeps turning; but due to the wickedness of the intent, I do not openly express it.
Neither Bhīṣma, nor Droṇa, nor Vidura, nor Kṛpa will ever approve the exile of the sons of Kuntī.
We and they are equal among the Kauravas, O son; these noble-minded ones, joined with dharma, would never desire injustice.
If we, who are of the Kauravas and among these great souls, should act unjustly, O dear one, how can we then be worthy in the eyes of the world?
Duryodhana said:
Bhīṣma is always neutral, and Droṇa’s son is on my side; because of his son, Droṇa too will be with me—of this there is no doubt.
Kṛpa, the son of Śaradvat, and these three—since they are aligned—Droṇa will never abandon his nephew or them.
Though Vidura may be secretly attached to the Pāṇḍavas, he is bound to our interests; and alone he is not capable of opposing us for their sake.
Therefore, confidently exile the sons of Pāṇḍu along with their mother to Vāraṇāvata today itself. There will be no fault in this.
Destroy by this act the dreadful sleepless thorn implanted in my heart—the fire of grief that has arisen.
