Sexual Life in Ancient India: A Study in the Comparative History of Indian Culture v2.c18.54

v2.c18.54

a stake again, after he had unwittingly been won (as a slave) at play by the villains in union? Let the free Kurus here in the hall decide.” Duḥṣāsana hurls abuse at her once more; then Bhīma breaks out, and utters the bitter reproaches against his eldest brother which have already been spoken of. He wants to burn his two arms in the fire, so as to take insulting vengeance on Yudhiṣṭhira. Arjuna reminds him that unconditional obedience must be given to the eldest brother, and that a Kṣattriya loses his honour, if he refuses after being challenged to play. But now Vikarṇa, a younger brother of Duryodhana, stands up, upbraids the assembly for not giving the law its due, and declares that as Yudhiṣṭhira has already played away his own person, Draupadī who was staked afterwards cannot be held to be lost in gambling; moreover she is the property of all five brothers. Loud applause followed his words. But from Karṇa’s mouth harshly come the angry words: “Yudhiṣṭhira staked all he had, and lost it. Draupadī is part of this. Furthermore the gods have appointed but one husband for the woman; one that has more, like Draupadī, is a wicked woman, and cannot lay claim to any consideration or honour. Duḥṣāsana, take the clothing of the Pāṇḍavas and of Draupadī!” He that was now spoken to tears off her only garment from the wretched woman’s body, but by a miracle from Kṛṣṇa, whom she had called on in her need, a new one keeps on ever wrapping her limbs, until at length a great heap of garments torn off her by Duḥṣāsana lies in the hall.¹ Loud reproaches on Duḥṣāsana are then raised, and heartfelt praise for Draupadī. Bhīma swears he will drink Duḥśāsana’s blood in battle. Vidura comes forward for Draupadī, and demands of the gathering that it should deal out justice. But Karṇa calls out to Duḥśāsana to bring the slave-woman into the house. Filled with shame, and weeping, Draupadī then once more turns to the circle of great men and princes and complains of the evil done: “Sun and wind before were not allowed to see me; now in the midst of the hall I am gazed on among the men, and the Pāṇḍavas allow it. That was never heard of, that an honourable woman should be dragged into the public hall. Where is the Kings’ law? The old eternal law is gone. Decide ye whether I was won in the game, whether I am a slave or not, and I will act accordingly.” Bhīshma sorrowfully holds: He that has the power has the right.¹ While she is bitterly weeping and wailing, Duryodhana declares with the proud smile of the master that Yudhishṭhira and his brothers must decide. Yudhishṭhira keeps silent, Bhīma blusters and says that if his strong arms were not bound by all kinds of considerations,