An Epilogue of
Duryodhana (Suyodhana)
[Mahabharata has always inspired me.Each character in the epic has a story to say.While scholars may differ in their view.I feel each and every character in the epic has two shades - one negative and the other positive just like any other mortal being.While it is an established fact that History is always written by Victors, I feel there is every reason to believe that there may be sections in the story which may have been manipulated to show some characters in a grey shade deliberately.Considering that no parents can name their kid Dushasana (meaning one who misgoverns) or Duryodhana (one who fights for evil) , I am quite sure there is lot more to understand about the characters and all characters are correct in their own way.The paragraphs I have written below is only an opinion I share ,from Duryodhana's point if view.]
Scene – Kurukshetra Battle, Kaurava Camp, Night of Day 17
Remorse had struck the Kaurava camp. The great
Karna had been killed by Arjuna. The impending defeat was now the only certainty
for the Kauravas.
Grief struck Suyodhana stood helplessly staring at Karna’s
noble corpse in disbelief. Suyodhana was submerged in sorrow, more than he was
when his younger sibling Sushasana was murdered scornfully by the beastly
Bhima. Ashwatthama, Kripacharya, Kritavarma and a few others stood speechless beside
their revered prince. Suyodhana’s affection
for his loyal friend was known to all. The mighty and dreaded Suyodhana today
resembled an orphan in the hands of fate. Never did he think he would see such
a day when his most beloved friend and brother would be grounded to an eternal
slumber leaving him alone to face the demonic phase of anguish.
“Take away
all my wealth, take away my kingdom, and take away all I have O Kripacharya. If
all wealth could have brought back my beloved companion back please do so.
Scared I am of no soul on earth or heaven or hell. My dear friend Karna is more
precious than all world put together. I have lost all my near and dear ones in
this battle but cannot bear the separation of my dear friend Radhey.He stood by
me in all good and bad phases like a shadow which never leaves the body”said Suyodhana.
Seeing the prince’s grief Kripacharya was deeply
moved and said "O great warrior , by ambition and ravenousness we placed
too great a encumbrance on friends and near ones. They have uncomplainingly
borne it and laid down their lives on the battlefield and attained the heavenly
abode. There is but only one course left to you to make peace with the
Pandavas. Do not, O King, any longer continue this catastrophic fight. End it
and save the thousands still waiting to be dead."
Even at that moment of deep misery, Suyodhana did
not delight this guidance. "Possibly, there was a stretch for that, but it
no longer exists. What talk can there be of peace between the Pandavas and us
with all this resentful blood between us, the blood of our dearest and theirs?
If I surrender in order to escape death, how can I escape the contempt of the
world? What happiness can I hope to have in a life so ignobly saved? And what
joy can I hope to find in sovereignty, secured by a peace after my brothers and
relatives have all been slain? Can the peace treaty bring back my dear ones
back to life? Can it bring back my Karna ? I cannot insult the sacrifces of all
great souls and behave like a coward. We will fight till we die. Hastinapur
belongs to the great lineage of Kauravas. Maybe we will lose but we may strive
for glory in death than strive for cowardice.’
The words of Suyodhana were cheered by fellow-men.
Battle it was and in battle men do not die they attain martyrdom. The sacrifices
glorified the brave men in their respective lineage. There was still a few
hours before dawn would break and before long the henchmen lifted the royal
corpse for performing the last rituals.
Suyodhana sat all alone in his camp reconciling
himself to the situation. A few night lamps had died , running out
of oil. The night lamps lit in his room attracted moths which died instantly
when in contact with the blazing heat. Suyodhana gazed at the lamp and his
moist face glowed in the dim light. The moths are like the warriors in the battlefield,
he thought.
He rose and walked close to the mirror. He was
still wearing his heavy armour. Bruised and tired he was. Staring at the mirror
he proclaimed -
“I , I am Suyodhana the elder most son of
Dhridharashtra. Hated by most. The final day of war is closing in .Defeat is
staring at us. History will perhaps always know me and my brothers as evil. History is after all
written by victors as always. Our names will be tarnished and personified with
evil deeds. But, I am the true inheritor of the throne. My father was blind and
Pandu his younger brother was throned the emperor. When he left for the forest
my father became the emperor and he governed over the massive territories with
utmost sovereignty. I am his eldest son. I am the true heir of the throne. Why
must I sacrifice the throne to the incapable Pandavas who do not even have a
factual biological father. I am the inheritor of the throne which once belonged
to the great Bharata Maharaja. How can one forget the fact that Yudhishtra and his brothers are but borne out of Niyog. The day won't be long before they declare these illegitimate sons as the sons of our deity Gods Vayu and Indra.How can one forget that Mata Kunti was but characterless in her youth and I will not be surprised if she has more children.
The Pandavas have always enjoyed the celebrated
support of Drona , Bheeshma , Kripacharya and all elders. I was always termed
as notorious. Vidura wanted me killed on my birth as he wanted his Niyogi son Yudhishtra to ascend the throne. Vyasa
cursed me. As a kid I always protected my younger brothers from evil Bhima who
relentlessly and un-provokingly harassed and bullied them to show case his
superiority and strength. Elders , others than Shakuni rebuked me and
humiliated me and never guided me or applauded me on good deeds. I and my
brothers have always been desirous of the love Bheeshma gave the pandavas. For
my brothers I was always there. Arjuna always fancied himself as the numero uno
archer. Drona supported him. The prides of both these heroes have been broken by
me and my friend Karna time and again. Draupadi always spoke contemptuously
with us Kauravas and insulted me and my father by calling me a blind man’s son
during our trip to Indraprastha much to the joy and cheer of Bhima. What wrong
have I done if I gave back the insult during the friendly dice match? I am an
emperor and should be treated like one. History will always highlight one part
of the story after I am gone. Today, I have lifted the dead bodies of my brothers,
uncles and sons.
By base tricks, they contrived the death of my warriors,
who fought bravely according to the laws of war. They could not have dreamt of
victory in a fair fight with Karna or Bhishma or Drona. They cheated on us
everytime and yet declare themselves as Dharmic. I have always been an able
ruler and administrator and my nation hath never known poverty and misfortune before
this battle broke out. Untouchability and casteism will divide the society. Equality
will never exist in a society which is governed by the Pandu putras. Calamity
will strike further if they become emperors.”
Dawn was about to break, the sun was about to push
through the dark canopy of smoke still raging out of the previous day’s battle.
Birds no longer chirped on the ravaged and bloodied land of the dreaded battle.
A few vultures were feasting on the dead and wild ravens and foxes dragging the
dead in the battleground for a beasty
meal. The battle drums and trumpets will resound in a few moments from now.
“I do not repent for what I did”.So saying Suyodhana
turns around and lifts his mace. He is all prepared to fight till the end. His
bruised and weary hands lifted the heavy mace. The anger on his face glowed
like bright ardour. “Here I come, foes. The lone protector of the kuru clan is
still alive to avenge the death of the brothers and relatives and friends alike.
The battle is still on. Here I come, panadavas.”
The battle conch of Krishna has been blown and can
be heard from miles away where the Kauravas are all set to begin their new day
with a new morale. The battle for the day is about to start. This could be the
final day of the battle…..
