Reading Notes: The Indian Heroes, Part B

Notes: 

• This version of the Mahabharata does not focus on the Pandava's 12 years of exile but say's, "Many adventures came to the Pandava Princes in the forest." 

         - An entire series of stories could be written about their adventures!

• The 13th year is the one in concealment in one of the cities

         - they decide to live in Biratnagar, the capital town of Virata
            --> the King of the Matsyas
            Yudhishthira = Kanka (gambler)
             Bhima = Ballaba (cook)
             Arjuna = Vrihannala (dancer & Singer)
            Nakula = Granthika (groomer for horses)
             Sahadev = Tantripala (cowherd)
             Princess Draupadi = Sairandhri (waitingmaid)

• They hid their weapons in a thorn tree on the outskirts of town. 
• They all entered the town at different times speaking to King Virata (he had no clue who they were) 

              - they did their jobs for 12 months

• Then Queen Sudeshna's brother had to show up, Prince Kichaka. 

             - he forced himself on Princess Draupadai (Sairandhir) and almost ruined their disguise when Bhima killed him with his bare hands.

• The King ordered Draupadai to be burned on Kickaka's pyre. 

          - Bhima heard of this and went and killed all the soldiers trying to kill Draupadai

• Now everyone is afraid of Draupadai and wants her to leave but she convinces them to let her stay
• Now that Kickaka is dead all the neighboring cities want to overtake Virata, including evil Prince Duryodhan.

            - karna and Arjuna got into it because Karna recognized Arjuna in the carrot.

• Yudhishthira admits to King Virata they are the Pandava brothers. 
• I could write a story about how King Dhritarashtra is his sons, Prince Duryodhan, puppet.  pg 113
• The Pandava's decide on war!

          - I could write a story about their decision

• Most of the support was on Duryodhan's side because they were afraid of him. 
• They feared 3 main people:

              --> Prince Bhishma, uncle of King Dhritarashtra
             --> Drona, taught Duryodhan archery
             --> Karna, sun gods son and a great bowman

• The trick arjuna pulled to kill Bhishma is very interesting, it would be fun to write about! pg. 116
• I could write a story about the death of Bhishma, Drona, and Karna
• I could write a story about the wizards palace at the bottom of the lake pg. 121
• Bhima and Duryodhan have a final battle

             - Duryodhan dies

(Final Battle Between Bhima & Duryodhana) 

• King Dhritarashtra almost killed Bhima with his grip but tore down a statue instead. 

           - but King Dhritarshra still ruled till the day he died
           - Yudhishthira was crowned king of Hastnapura

• Krishna was killed by a hunter

         - I could write a story about how his city was not allowed to drink wine. pg 132
           -Arjuna was losing his strength
         - Yudhishthira knew death was coming so he stepped down from the throne and him and his brothers accepted death

• They walked into the forest where the fire- god commanded them to throw their weapons into the sea (Bay of Bengal) 

          - They then walked to the Himalaya's where one by one they died off
          - The house of Bharata were all reunited in heaven, even Duryodhan.

Bibliography: The Indian Heroes: Mahabharata- The princess of Elephant City by C.A. Kincaid.