Comprehension

A Mother’s Advice

The Mahabharata describes how, when war between the Kauravas and the Pandavas became almost inevitable, Gandhari made one last appeal to her eldest son Duryodhana.

By making peace you honour your father and me, as well as your well-wishers... it is the wise man in control of his senses who guards his kingdom. Greed and anger drag a man away from his profits; by defeating these two enemies a king conquers the earth.... You will happily enjoy the earth, my son, along with the wise and heroic Pandavas.... There is no good in a war, no law (dharma) and profit (artha), let alone happiness; nor is there (necessarily) victory in the end – don’t set your mind on war...

Duryodhana did not listen to this advice and fought and lost the war.

Question: 1

Explain the main cause of conflict between Kauravas and Pandavas.

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The conflict was essentially a struggle for succession and land control between two branches of the Kuru dysty, driven by jealousy and a total breakdown of diplomatic compromise.
Updated On: Jul 28, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Dystic Rivalry and Throne Succession:
The fundamental cause of the conflict was a dispute over land and royal power within the ruling Kuru clan of Hastipura. The cousin brothers represented the elder and younger branches of the family, and both claimed the legitimate right to inherit the throne.

Step 2: Greed and Refusal to Compromise:
The conflict escalated due to the intense jealousy and greed of Duryodha and the Kauravas. They refused to concede even a small, fair partition of the kingdom to the Pandavas. This absolute rejection of compromise made a peaceful resolution impossible, turning a family rivalry into a destructive war.
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Question: 2

Why did Gandhari advice Duryodha not to fight?

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Gandhari's advice focuses on the classic philosophical idea that interl victory (controlling greed and anger) is far more valuable and stable than any bloody victory achieved on the battlefield.
Updated On: Jul 28, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Absolute Destructiveness and Lack of Spiritual Merit:
Gandhari advised Duryodha against war because it carries no spiritual law (dharma), economic benefit (artha), or ultimate happiness. She warned him that war is inherently destructive, and its fil outcome never guarantees victory, leading only to ruin and grief for both sides.

Step 2: Conquering Interl Passions and Securing Peace:
She emphasized that true statecraft lies in self-control. By defeating the interl enemies of greed and anger, a king can peacefully enjoy the earth. She argued that making peace with the wise and heroic Pandavas would ensure the survival of the dysty and allow them to rule the kingdom in harmony.
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Question: 3

Why did Duryodha not listen to the advice of his mother, Gandhari?

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Duryodha's tragic downfall was his ibility to control his emotions. His greed, jealousy, and arrogance blinded him to his mother's wise counsel, leading to the destruction of the Kuru clan.
Updated On: Jul 28, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Domition by Jealousy, Pride, and Envy:
Duryodha was completely blinded by his intense envy of the Pandavas' growing prestige and military accomplishments. His deep-seated greed made him view any diplomatic compromise or partition of Hastipura as an ucceptable sign of weakness.

Step 2: Overconfidence in Military Superiority:
Duryodha suffered from hubris, placing blind faith in the vast size of his army and the presence of legendary warriors like Bhishma, Dro, and Kar on his side. Driven by these passions, he ignored his mother's ratiol warnings about the uncertainty of war, leading his clan into a conflict that cost them their lives.
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