The first person who comes to mind when the Mahabharata is mentioned is Shakuni Mama. Shakuni's machinations are believed to have played a major role in the destruction of the entire dynasty of Hastinapur. Shakuni's dice were not only used in the game of Chaupar or gambling, but also became the most lethal weapon in the feud between the Pandavas and the Kauravas.

But the question arises whether the fire of revenge was burning in Shakuni's heart from the very beginning or is the truth of the folklore something else?

Why did Shakuni's heart rage with vengeance?
According to popular legends, Shakuni was the son of King Subala of Gandhara and the brother of Gandhari. When his sister Gandhari married Dhritarashtra, Shakuni became associated with the royal family of Hastinapur. Legends say that for some reason, King Subala and his entire family were imprisoned in Hastinapur.

During their captivity, they were given very little food. The family then decided to keep Shakuni, the most intelligent and shrewd member, alive so that he could avenge this humiliation. This is said to have fueled his deep-seated desire for vengeance against Hastinapur.

Were the dice really made from his father's bones?
It is said that Shakuni's dice were made from his father Subala's bones and moved at Shakuni's command. This was the reason why Shakuni would always roll whatever he wanted in the game of Chaupar.

However, the original Sanskrit Mahabharata does not clearly state whether Shakuni's dice were made from his father's bones or whether they magically moved at his command.

Gambling ploy against the Pandavas

When a gambling game was organized at Duryodhana's behest, Shakuni threw the dice on Duryodhana's behalf. Through his cunning tactics, he made Dharmaraja Yudhishthira lose everything—his kingdom, wealth, his brother, and ultimately Draupadi. ​​Draupadi's disrobing and humiliation in the assembly fueled the fire of war, leading to a 13-year exile and ultimately the epic battle of the Mahabharata.

Was Shakuni solely responsible for the destruction?
While Shakuni used his diplomatic provocation to incite violence, he wasn't the only one responsible for the war. Duryodhana's stubbornness and arrogance, Dhritarashtra's excessive love for his son, and the unrighteousness committed at the Kurukshetra council combined to pave the way for the end of the Kuru dynasty.

PC: JANSATTA