Dhritarashtra
was both happy and unhappy hearing Bhisma – happy because he could avoid an
immediate engagement with an issue he did not really feel concerned; unhappy
because, Srikrishna was the nephew of Kunti. The blind king’s gut assessment
was that Shrikrishna would be closer to Kunti’s sons than his. Thoughts of
future flashed through his mind. He knew the nature of his sons and sons of
Kunti and tried to figure out how would they be affected if Shrikrishna were
really the incarnation of God, as Bhisma said.
The Kaurava king
grew sullen as he pondered over the future possibilities. All these days, he
never apprehended any external influence on the balance of power between the
Kaurava and Pandava princes. But now, if Bhisma was to be believed, a new and
formidable source of power had now risen in the horizon. Dhritarashtra sank
deep in thoughts to search out an alternative that could somehow allay this
nascent fear of Srikrishna. But as a seasoned diplomat he was determined not to
betray his thoughts. As if he discounted the account given by Bhisma,
Dhritarashtra asked him:
‘Sire, for long Kauravas have not
gone for conquests. Brother Pandu had spread the fame of the Kuru dynasty far
and wide through conquests. But, I, an ill-fated, a born blind.... have not been able to
maintain those, let alone add to it. Now, please inform me about the
feasibility of a conquest plan.’
To that Bhisma
said:
‘King, in this holy land of
ancestor Bharat, there are many mighty and powerful kings who are not easy to
subjugate. Let me mention some of them. Look at the Far East. Bhagadatta ruling
over Pragjyotishpur and vast stretch of coastal countries is simply formidable.
He has friendship with Indra - the Lord of the Heavens. While he rides high on his huge elephant in
the battlefield, his enemies simply give up hope of life. In Magadh Jarasandha
reigns supreme – his name casts fears in neighboring kingdoms. In the
southwest the Matsya kingdom is quite powerful. Its king Birat and his
brother-in-law Kichak are powerful warriors. Matsya’s neighbor, I mean the
Trigarta kings are also valorous and would fight to the finish to retain their
dignity. Five princes ruling the kingdom of Kekoy have surpassed most
contemporary royalties by their prowess, courage and gallantry. King Bhismak of
Bhojkotpur appears as Lord Yama to his enemies in the battleground. King
Shallya of Madra, the uncle of the Pandavas, is also a renowned warrior and
feared by opponents. King Sudakhsin of Kamboj, and King Brihadwal of Ayodhya
are always avoided by enemies such are their prowess. King, this holy land has
many more of such illustrious rulers. They are indeed difficult to exceed.’
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