A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.2206.3

c5.2206.3

And the Rāja had plenty of rain at the proper season, and all his subjects became rich; and the virtues of the Rāja were to be seen in the great increase of trade and merchandise, in the abundant harvests and the prolific cattle. Every subject of the Rāja was pious; there were no liars, no thieves, and no swindlers; and there were no droughts, no floods, no locusts, no conflagrations, no foreign invasions, and no parrots to eat the grain. The neighbouring Rājas, despairing of conquering Rāja Yudhi-shthira, were very desirous of securing his friendship. Meanwhile Yudhi-shthira, though he would never acquire wealth by unfair means, yet prospered so exceedingly that had he lavished his riches for a thousand years no diminution would ever have been perceived.” After the return of his brother Arjuna from exile, Yudhi-shthira determined to assert his supremacy by performing the Rāja-sūya sacrifice, and this led to a war with Jarāsandha, Rāja of Magadha, who declined to take part in it, and was in consequence defeated and killed. The dignity which Yudhi-shthira had gained by the performance of the sacrifice rekindled the jealousy of Dur-yodhana and the other Kauravas. They resolved to invite their cousins to a gambling match, and to cheat Yudhi-shthira of his kingdom. Yudhi-shthira was very unwilling to go, but could not refuse his uncle’s invitation. Sakuni, maternal uncle of Dur-yodhana, was not only a skilful player but also a dexterous cheat.