Sexual Life in Ancient India: A Study in the Comparative History of Indian Culture v2.c20.30.2

v2.c20.30.2

A storm of applause follows his words. But then the scales again turn in Duryodhana's favour; all the good ones utter loud cries of blame that the Kauravas would not settle Draupadī's case. But in the hall they are swayed this way and that, for and against the poor proud woman. Duryodhana then leaves the decision with the five brothers, especially Yudhiṣṭhira; this way out of it is hailed by many with loud shouts of applause, and much waving of shawls, while others utter loud cries of pain. They all look intently at the brothers, especially the eldest one. The latter wraps himself in his silent wretchedness, Bhīma gives vent to his rage, the worthless Arjuna, who is also here, needless to say, dreadfully correct,¹ thinks : “The king was a free master when he staked us. But what he was master of, when he had gambled himself away, this is the question that the Kurus here must decide together.” Then the evil-boding signs resound, and Dhṛtarāṣṭra lets mildness have the upper hand. The difficulty around which everything turns in the long discussion is only this : Was Yudhishthira still lord of anything (īça) when he offered Draupadī? We know he was not so. But for the knowledge of law in those days the question was a knotty one.