New Delhi (India) September 8: Mukesh Kumar Singh feels that one of the big strengths of the Mahabharata lies in its unbiased approach-it presents characters neither perfectly good nor utterly evil. According to him, the epic clearly articulates both their merits and demerits and the reader can then form his or her own opinion as to who was right and who was not. Thus, Singh explains, the Mahabharata should not be interpreted just from an angle of present-day logic and reason. The original epic records even the indiscretions of great kings and heroes.

Mistakes of Yudhisthira Were Also Recorded

Taking the example of Yudhisthira himself, Singh explains that though he was a king, the Mahabharata is open about the fact that he gambled and even lost his wife in the gamble. If Yudhisthira had wanted to control the narrative, he could have omitted such things. However, other blunders of Yudhisthira (regarding Ashwatthama and criticism from Krishna) are also included in the epic,which have led a number of people to recall Yudhisthira as a gambler today, while a more in-depth perspective holds much more about him.

Why Krishna Selected Yudhisthira as Future Emperor

Singh posed an argument of why Krishna chose Yudhisthira as the future emperor instead of any of his own relatives like Balarama ( brother), Pradyumna ( son) or Vasudeva ( father).

According to Singh, this is what set Yudhisthira apart. He describes him as a man who could control himself when the entire family was insulted, and so, despite having a stronger army, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva backed Yudhisthira. During the dice match Yudhishthira had commanded them all not to indulge into that fight. Also in the dice hall he kept himself calm and peaceful due to his duty towards his elders and family. 

Yudhishthira's Affection for the Kauravas

The author also reiterates Yudhishthira’s reaction during the instance when the Kauravas are held captive by the Gandharvas. Bhima refused to lend them any support, arguing that the Gandharvas were essentially carrying out what the Pandavas should have been doing themselves. Yudhishthira did not agree with Bhima's contention. He argued that irrespective of how everybody else considered them (the Pandavas were known to be just 5 as against 100 Kauravas) they themselves and the rest were a single clan of 105 brothers.

Yudhishthira's Relationship With Dhritarashtra

Singh also mentions his relation to Dhritarashtra. Yudhishthira continues to show obedience to him even after all this happens. Before the dice game Yudhishthira clearly stated that gambling was unfair and could create quarrels among brothers, but still he did not turn away from the advice given by Dhritarashtra.

Singh sees Yudhishthira as representing a character, which is incomprehensible in today's world. A just ruler, to him is a king who has duty and welfare of the other person more important than himself and hatred for all the other persons interests.