War in Ancient India c12.48

c12.48

To cite another instance Drupada sent his Purohita, a well-versed Brahman, as an ambassador to the court of Dhṛtarāṣṭra on the eve of the struggle to avert war on behalf of the Pāṇḍavas.²⁵ Having arrived at Hastināpura, he was accorded a hearty welcome by Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Bhīṣma and Vidura. Enquiries about the health of the king and the chief officers of the state were then made. Then he delivered his message, which was patiently heard. Bhīṣma replied that Duryodhana was not willing to yield even one inch of territory but was prepared to lose the whole empire in battle if it should so chance. Then he went back. After this Sañjaya was commissioned by Dhṛtarāṣṭra to go to the Pāṇḍavas, enquire after their health, and say whatever he thought fit on the occasion. Sañjaya spoke of the horrors and sins of war and desired Yudhiṣṭhira to make peace. As an ambassador he gave out his message as was instructed. Kṛṣṇa answered that peace was good, but war was the duty of the Kṣatriyas. ‘For the purpose of slaying robbers, Indra had created the bow, the weapon, and also the armour. Dhṛtarāṣṭra with his sons had robbed the sons of Pāṇḍu of their just and lawful inheritance, and hence as robbers they must be dealt with. So let the Kurus be told that the Pāṇḍavas, though ready to fight, are still in peace.’