Alliances and Proposals in Hastinapur

In the opulent chambers of Hastinapur's palace, Duryodhana sat with his uncle Shakuni and brothers—Dushasana, Vikarna, Yuyutsu, and others—recounting the events of the Panchal swayamvara.

The flickering lamps cast long shadows as his voice, heavy with indignation, filled the room. "Panchal's court insulted Magadha Naresh Bahubal in the most egregious manner. Draupadi refused him, calling him a sutaputra after he lifted the bow with ease. They invited him only to humiliate him, and Karna and I walked out with him, severing ties with Drupad's kingdom. Magadha and Anga have halted trade with Panchal."

Shakuni, his eyes glinting with cunning, stroked his beard, his voice smooth yet sharp. "My dear Suyodhana, Panchal has committed a grave error, one that may cost them dearly. Bahubali, a warrior who felled Jarasandha single-handedly, is no mere king. He is a Maharathi, a force that reshapes Aryavrat with his reforms and might. To insult him publicly is to court disaster. Drupad's arrogance blinds him to the power he's spurned. Hastinapur must strengthen its bond with Magadha, for Bahubali's friendship is a shield stronger than any army."

Vikarna, thoughtful among the brothers, nodded, his voice measured but firm. "I agree, Mama Shakuni. Bahubali's vision for Magadha—schools for all, justice without caste, prosperity for the common folk—has inspired our own reforms in Hastinapur. His strength and dharma make him a vital ally. But how do we deepen this bond? Our friendship is strong, but a formal alliance would bind our kingdoms closer. I propose we offer our sister Dushala's hand in marriage to Bahubali. Such a union would cement Magadha and Hastinapur as one, ensuring mutual strength against foes like Panchal."

Dushasana clapped, his voice eager. "Brilliant, Vikarna! Dushala and Bahubali—a match of honor and power! Magadha's might, paired with Hastinapur's legacy, would make us unstoppable. Bhaiya, you must propose this to Mata and Pitashri!"

Shakuni's smile widened, though his tone carried caution. "A splendid idea, Vikarna, but we must tread carefully. The elders—Bhishma, Vidura, Kripacharya—already view your friendship with Bahubali with suspicion, fearing his influence over you, Suyodhana. They cling to tradition, wary of his reforms and his supposed low birth. If we propose Dushala's marriage openly, they'll resist, citing propriety or politics. But there's a way—convince your mother, Gandhari, of the alliance's benefits. Her word carries weight with Dhritarashtra, and if she champions this, the king may sway, bypassing the elders' objections."

Duryodhana's eyes lit up, his voice resolute. "You're right, Mama. Mata respects Bahubali's deeds, his reforms, and his devotion to Mahadev. I'll speak to her, lay bare the insult at Panchal, and propose Dushala's marriage as a bond to secure Hastinapur's future. If Mata agrees, Pitashri will follow. This alliance will show Aryavrat that Hastinapur and Magadha stand united, untouchable by Drupad's schemes or any other."

The brothers nodded, their resolve firm, and the meeting dispersed. Later, Duryodhana sought Gandhari in her private chambers, where she sat weaving a shawl, her veiled eyes turned toward him. "Mata, pranipat," he began, his tone earnest. "I come from Panchal, where a great wrong was done. Draupadi insulted Bahubali, calling him a sutaputra after he lifted their divine bow. They invited him only to scorn him, and Karna and I left with him, severing ties with Panchal. Bahu is our brother in spirit, a Maharathi who killed Jarasandha and freed Magadha. To strengthen our bond with Magadha, I propose we offer Dushala's hand to him. This marriage would bind our kingdoms, ensuring Hastinapur's strength against all foes."

Gandhari's hands paused, her voice warm yet thoughtful. "My son. Your words carry the weight of truth. Bahubali is a man of rare valor and dharma, blessed by Mahadev Himself. The insult at Panchal was a grave misstep by Drupad, and it pains me to hear of it. Your proposal to unite Dushala with Bahubali is wise—a marriage to such a king would honor our daughter and fortify Hastinapur. I agree, Suyodhana. I'll speak to your father and convince him of this alliance's merit. Magadha's strength, paired with ours, will secure our future."

Duryodhana bowed, his heart light. "Thank you, Mata. Your support ensures this bond. I trust you to sway Pitashri, and Dushala will find a worthy husband in Bahu."

---

In the courtroom, the meeting was going on as usual, a messenger burst into the palace, his voice urgent. "Pranipat, Maharaj Dhritarashtra! The Pandava Princes and Rajmata Kunti live! Spies confirm they were at Panchal's swayamvara, disguised as Brahmins. Arjuna won Draupadi's hand, completing the archery contest!"

The sabha erupted, Dhritarashtra's face brightening despite his blindness. "My brother's sons live? Praise Mahadev! Vidura, go to Panchal at once, bring them to Hastinapur with all honors. They are Kuru princes, our blood, and must return home."

Vidura bowed, his voice steady but cautious. "As you command, Maharaj. I'll depart for Kampilya to escort the Pandavas and their new bride." His eyes, however, flickered with concern, knowing the tensions their return would ignite.

---

Gandhari, when she and Dhritarashtra were in their room. "My lord, our son's proposal merits your ear. Suyodhana spoke of Panchal's insult to Magadha Naresh Bahubali. To bind Hastinapur and Magadha, he suggests Dushala's marriage to Bahubali. This alliance would strengthen us. Bahubali's reforms mirror Suyodhana's, and his power ensures our security. I urge you to approve this union."

Dhritarashtra, moved by her words and the news of the Pandavas, nodded. "Your wisdom guides me. Bahubali is a worthy ally, his deeds unmatched. A marriage with Dushala would honor our daughter and fortify Hastinapur. I approve. Send a messenger to Magadha with a formal proposal, offering Dushala's hand to Bahubali, with our blessings for a union that will unite our kingdoms."

A royal scroll was prepared, adorned with Hastinapur's seal, proposing the marriage and extolling Magadha's alliance. As the messenger departed for Magadha, Hastinapur buzzed with anticipation—the Pandavas' return and a potential union with Bahubali poised to reshape the Kuru dynasty's future, while Duryodhana, heartened by his mother's support, awaited Bahubali's response, their brotherhood ready to forge an unbreakable bond.