Dhritarashtra

Definition

Dhritarashtra is a key character in the Indian epic Mahabharata, known for being the blind king of Hastinapura and the father of the Kauravas. His blindness symbolizes his inability to perceive the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding the conflict between his sons and the Pandavas, as well as his attachment to power and family loyalty. This character plays a significant role in the Bhagavad Gita, where his perspective offers insights into the human condition and the nature of righteousness.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dhritarashtra's blindness is both literal and metaphorical, representing his ignorance and emotional turmoil during the epic's events.
2. Despite being king, Dhritarashtra struggles to maintain control over his family dynamics and is often seen as a passive leader.
3. His love for his sons leads him to favor the Kauravas, causing tension with the Pandavas, which escalates into a catastrophic war.
4. In the Bhagavad Gita, Dhritarashtra's dialogue with Sanjaya provides a unique narrative framework, highlighting his internal conflict as he witnesses the battle unfold.
5. Throughout the Mahabharata, Dhritarashtra's inability to act decisively reflects broader themes of duty, morality, and the consequences of personal attachments.

Review Questions

• How does Dhritarashtra's blindness serve as a metaphor within the narrative of the Mahabharata?
  • Dhritarashtra's blindness serves as a powerful metaphor for ignorance and moral paralysis. It reflects his inability to see beyond personal loyalties and familial attachments, leading him to make choices that contribute to conflict and suffering. This metaphor also extends to how he fails to grasp the consequences of his actions during the Kurukshetra War, symbolizing how one can be blinded by emotions in critical moments.
• Discuss how Dhritarashtra's character influences the dynamics between the Kauravas and Pandavas in the Mahabharata.
  • Dhritarashtra's character significantly influences the rivalry between the Kauravas and Pandavas. His favoritism towards his sons leads to favoritism and bias in decisions regarding land and power, deepening animosities. This favoritism ultimately plays a crucial role in escalating tensions that culminate in war, highlighting themes of justice versus injustice and parental influence in shaping conflicts.
• Evaluate Dhritarashtra's role in presenting themes of morality and duty in the Bhagavad Gita.
  • Dhritarashtra's role in the Bhagavad Gita is essential for evaluating themes of morality and duty. As he listens to Sanjaya recounting events on the battlefield, his questions reveal his inner turmoil regarding righteousness. His inability to take responsibility contrasts sharply with characters like Arjuna, who must confront their duties amidst moral dilemmas. This dynamic raises profound questions about leadership, ethical obligations, and personal accountability that resonate throughout the text.

Related terms

Kauravas: The Kauravas are the 100 sons of Dhritarashtra, known for their rivalry with the Pandavas and their role in the Kurukshetra War.

Pandavas: The Pandavas are five brothers, sons of King Pandu, who represent righteousness and justice in contrast to the Kauravas in the Mahabharata.

Kurukshetra War: The Kurukshetra War is the great battle fought between the Kauravas and Pandavas, central to the narrative of the Mahabharata and the context in which the Bhagavad Gita is set.