Enigmas in the life of Gandhari – Part 2

Self-Imposed Blindness

Gandhari’s decision to blindfold herself for life upon learning that her husband, Dhritarashtra, was blind is one of the most poignant and morally complex actions in the Mahabharata. Although noble in intention, this act of devotion would later be seen as a harbinger of misfortune. The blindfolding of Gandhari symbolized her self-imposed darkness, a metaphorical blindness that would echo through the generations of their descendants.

Symbolic and Metaphorical Implications – Gandhari’s self-imposed blindness serves as a powerful symbol in the Mahabharata. It represents the themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the profound psychological impacts of self-denial. Gandhari’s blindness symbolizes the moral and ethical blindness that afflicts the Kaurava dynasty, contributing to their downfall. Despite her physical blindness, Gandhari often perceives the deeper truths of her family’s fate with a clarity that eludes those around her.

Gandhari’s act of blindfolding herself in Moral High Ground can be interpreted as an extraordinary gesture of solidarity and sacrifice, demonstrating her deep commitment to her marriage and her husband’s plight. It symbolizes the extent to which she will go to share in her husband’s suffering and to ensure that she does not possess any advantage over him.

Self-Imposed Limitation – Ethically, this raises questions about self-imposed suffering. While it demonstrates her loyalty and empathy, it also brings into question whether such a sacrifice was necessary or beneficial in the broader context of her duties as a queen and mother. Perhaps her decision to blindfold  limited her ability to manage her household  effectively and influence events in the kingdom, potentially exacerbating the chaos and tragedy that ensued.

Neglect of Duty – As a queen, Gandhari had significant responsibilities towards her kingdom and her children. By blindfolding herself, she might have inadvertently neglected these duties. Her physical blindness could symbolize a lack of insight or oversight into the moral and ethical upbringing of her sons, particularly Duryodhana, whose actions ultimately led to the devastating war.

Maternal Role – From an ethical standpoint, Gandhari’s decision affected her role as a mother. Her inability to directly supervise and guide her children could be seen as a factor contributing to their moral corruption and the subsequent destruction of the Kuru dynasty.

Haughtiness – Gandhari’s decision to blindfold herself out of loyalty to her husband Dhritarashtra  is laden with moral and ethical complexities. While it symbolizes her deep commitment and empathy, it also results in significant drawbacks, particularly in her role as a mother and queen.

From an average person’s perspective, self-imposed blindness is not the act of a devoted wife, as it denies her husband the chance to perceive the world through her eyes, which an ideal wife would do. Instead, it is a drastic and self-punishing decision, made without consulting her parents, her brother, her husband, or anyone else. This decision highlights her remarkable ability to standalone, make life-altering choices quickly, and demonstrates her unyielding determination.

Motherhood

Upon learning that Kunti had delivered a baby boy, Gandhari forced her pregnancy to be aborted as she felt her son may not become the next king of the mighty kingdom. Her action of doing it without consulting her husband reflects her arrogance and disrespect towards her husband. She also shown disrespect the Yogi Vyasa whose words can never go wrong by disbelieving that she will have a hundred children. This incidence clearly reflects the haughtiness, jealousy and disappointment of Gandhari.

The most obvious effect of Gandhari’s self-imposed blindness was her inability to see her children. This lack of visual connection meant she could not observe their facial expressions, body language, and other non-verbal cues that play a crucial role in nurturing and understanding children. Visual observations often form the basis of a parent’s intuitive understanding of their children’s needs, emotions, and behaviours, and Gandhari’s blindness deprived her of this crucial aspect of parenting.

Lack of Direct Supervision – Gandhari’s blindness meant that she could not directly observe and correct her sons’ behaviour. Duryodhana, in particular, grew up with unchecked ambition and resentment towards the Pandavas, which played a critical role in the conflict between the cousins. Duryodhana’s unchecked ambition and arrogance were partly a result of Gandhari’s inability to supervise and correct his behaviour. Her physical blindness symbolized a lack of control and authority over her eldest son’s actions, leading to his growing defiance and sense of entitlement.

Moral Guidance: Her physical blindness metaphorically extended to a lack of moral guidance. While she attempted to advise her sons, her inability to see limited the effectiveness of her counsel and directly intervene in their actions.

The Enigma of Silence

Gandhari, known for her immense strength and adherence to duty, her silence and absence during several critical moments in the epic are noteworthy. Despite witnessing the growing animosity between the Pandavas and her sons, Gandhari remains largely silent. Was this silence a product of her cultural constraints, a reflection of her deference to Dhritarashtra, or a calculated move to avoid fuelling the conflict? Her inaction leaves us wondering if she truly believed in the righteousness of her son’s cause.

Here are some key events where Gandhari’s silence or absence is significant.

The Game of Dice – During the infamous game of dice, which leads to the humiliation of Draupadi, Gandhari is notably absent from the proceedings. The game, orchestrated by Shakuni and driven by Duryodhana’s ambitions, results in the Pandavas losing their kingdom, wealth, and Draupadi being dragged into the court and insulted. Gandhari’s absence from this event highlights a critical void of maternal intervention and moral authority, which could have potentially altered the course of events

The Disrobing of Draupadi – When Draupadi is dragged into the court and disrobed, Gandhari remains silent. Despite being in the palace, she does not intervene immediately. It is only after the event, when the situation has escalated beyond repair, that she speaks up, condemning the actions and calling for peace. Her delayed reaction underscores the complex power dynamics within the Kuru family and the limitations placed on her as a woman in a patriarchal society.

War Councils and Battle Preparations – Gandhari is largely silent during the Kuru war councils and preparations for the battle of Kurukshetra. While she is aware of the impending conflict and the likely devastation it will bring, she does not publicly voice her opposition or attempt to prevent the war through direct intervention. Her silence here can be seen as an expression of her helplessness and the constraints of her position as the queen consort, overshadowed by her husband Dhritarashtra and the machinations of Duryodhana and Shakuni.

During the Exile of the Pandavas – During the Pandavas’ exile, Gandhari remains largely silent and does not actively intervene to mitigate their suffering. Despite knowing the injustices they faced, she is unable to challenge the decisions made by her husband and son, illustrating her constrained position within the royal family dynamics.

Gandhari’s silence and absence during these critical moments in the Mahabharata are deeply symbolic. They reflect the constraints imposed on her by her role as a queen and mother in a patriarchal society. Her silence is not passive but rather a form of silent protest and deep internal suffering. It highlights her struggle between her dharma (duty) as a queen and her grief and moral outrage as a mother. Gandhari’s character thus embodies the tragic consequences of powerlessness and the profound impact of personal loss and ethical dilemmas in the face of overwhelming societal and familial pressures.

The Enigma of the Curse

After the war, Gandhari, devastated by the loss of her sons, curses Krishna, holding him responsible for the destruction. This curse, while directed at Krishna, also affects the Pandavas, including Kunti. Gandhari’s curse is a manifestation of her immense grief and her sense of justice, reflecting her belief in the moral consequences of actions.

Gandhari’s curse emanates from the profound grief of a mother who has lost all her sons. It underscores the intense pain and sorrow experienced by those who suffer the consequences of war, driving home the human cost of such conflicts.

Gandhari’s curse on Krishna and his clan is a manifestation of the law of karma. It illustrates the principle that every action, good or bad, has repercussions. Krishna’s acceptance of the curse also reflects his acknowledgment of this universal law. Gandhari’s curse highlights the moral accountability of even divine beings. Krishna, despite his divine nature, is held accountable for his role in the war and the ensuing destruction. It signifies that no one, not even the gods, is above moral and ethical scrutiny. The fact that Gandhari, a mortal woman, possesses the spiritual potency to curse Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu, underscores her unique status in the epic. This enigma highlights the blurred lines between mortals and the divine, and the power of righteous indignation.

The enigmas in Gandhari’s life make her one of the most compelling and multifaceted characters in the Mahabharata. Her self-imposed blindness, her complex role as a mother, her powerful curse, and her inner spiritual strength all contribute to the rich tapestry of her character. Gandhari’s life is a study in contrasts and complexities, embodying the themes of sacrifice, suffering, moral integrity, and spiritual resilience. Her story invites us to explore the deeper mysteries of human existence, the interplay of fate and free will, and the enduring power of inner vision and righteousness.