दुर्योधन

by Kaka Vidhate

‘A kingdom can expand any way it wants. There is no place for emotions in politics when it’s thinking of dividing a kingdom. I don’t mind if history does not recognise me as a great man. I don’t care if future generations label me the father of all-round destruction.’ Right down to his core, Duryodhan believes that the Kuru kingdom belongs to the Kauravas. He will not give away even an inch of that ancestral land without a fight. How can he? The Pandavas are not even the real sons of Maharaj Pandu, they are not true heirs of the Kurus. In his bestselling Marathi novel, Kaka Vidhate reimagines the enduring tale of the Mahabharat, turning away from the victors to listen to other points of view. In so doing, he reveals an endlessly fascinating Duryodhan. He peels back layers upon layers to reveal unknown facets to the character. To some the Kaurava prince is an anti-hero, to others a hero no less than Arjun. In Vidhate’s telling, he is an enigmatic life force that shook and overwhelmed many a statesman and warrior. Krishna helped them, and the Pandavas won the war, a hollow victory. They lost as much as those they vanquished did. As the other side tells the story of the war—Duryodhan, Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, Dushasan, Shakuni and others who were thus far pushed to the margins of the epic—Vidhate turns on its head the greatest tale ever, to tell a story of monstrous jealousy and devouring greed. Everyone had blood on their hands. There were no winners even as one side wrested a gruesome victory—and Duryodhan knew it right from the start.

Genres: Marathi, Fiction, Mythology

1046 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Uttara Srinivasan · Rating 4 out of 5]

For once I don’t wonder what the essence of the book in its original language was and there in lies Kaka Vidhate’s biggest victory.

I am a self proclaimed fan of the epic and it wouldn’t be too grandiose of me to state that someday I would love to boast of having read all versions worthy of being read by a true connoisseur of the tale, one who wants to be able to appreciate the nuances, and effortlessly at that. Therefore the fact that this is the first version I read that picks up the tale from the point of view of its main antagonist will keep it specially placed on my bookshelf

Did I say antagonist? Blame it on the multitudes of depictions in popular culture that I have grown up with. How proudly I claimed before this that here is a tale that can be told equally effectively from so many points of view and yet look here I am, stumped at what Duryodhan’s Mahabharata has to offer.

In the modern age, a politically savvy, administratively superior, keenly tolerant, ethical, pre-feminist of his times (Draupadi’s disrobing notwithstanding) character would find it hard to be painted as the villain of any tale. And yet, “dharma”, ministrations of divinity and karmic justice, maxims of the satyuga (victory of good over evil) have demonised the one who might be otherwise touted as brilliant modern statesman - one with very human vices and virtues. The author’s flip on key events that attribute evil to the titular crown Prince, his more rational explanation of mysterious births, victories, powers and skills add to the allure of a very interesting spin on literally epic tale

Told through the lens of those who shaped Duryodhana’s journey - his father, his uncle, his best friend, his wife, his arch nemesis and his follower, the chapters of this novel paint a different and yet a faithfully familiar picture of the Great War of Kurukshetra.

Is the writing brilliant? I can’t say - it is a translation after all. It doesn’t feel jarring and heck, it is interesting even if I did find myself suitably suspicious of everything the author did to turn the tale I knew on its head.

If you are a fan of the epic and if perspectives force you to keep coming back for more, pick this one up.

[Gourang Ambulkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Author has done a lot of research for this book. This is not a mere glorification of the (in) famous antagonist from Mahabharata for gaining literary popularity, but a sincere effort for an objective portrayal of perspectives from Duryodhan's point of view. This book in my opinion, if nothing else, manages to depict the characters as different shades of grey as opposed to the black and whiteness as has been imbibed on us through our childhood. I have particularly appreciated the literary criticism on Krishna's role in the epic. This book has managed to defuse the godly halo around the character Krishna and present him merely as a successful diplomat with varying shades of grey. The chapter dedicated to Krishna also helps the reader a serving of his take on his role. The author also has shown audacity to challenge the 'Pop' facts around Pandavas birth and presented an alternative version of their birth which to a rational mind do sound convincing as opposed to them just being consummated by Kunti's miraculous union with different Gods. A common strain was the author's opposition to resorting to the mythological boon ( vardans) and banes ( shraaps) as we were force fed through our grandma's versions of this great epics. The author also has an introduction of Charvaak Niti on atheism and very lucidly puts the ball back in the readers court to decide the judgement on Astik vs Naastik tug of war.
Overall a strong recommendation and 5 stars.

[E.T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 The first half was beautifully setup with POVs narrated by Dhritrashtra , Dusshasan, Shakuni and Duryodhan himself. Kudos to the author for making readers empathise with the “Kauravas”.
The second half was more predictable. After “Mrityunjay” by Shivaji Savant, this was another great book on the Mahabharata in Marathi.
And thank you Vikrant Pande and Eka Westland for the translation.

[Abhinav Balure · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book tells us other side of duryodhan. also it challenges our faith that KAURAV means BAD.

[Chandrachud Patil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives you a completely different perspective. It'll make you think about all you learnt as a kid about Mahabharata.

[Biswajit Nandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant. Gives a completely different perspective of Mahabharat from the eyes of Duryodhan. The last 4 chapters are extraordinary

[Jayshree Gohil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mytho has always been my favourite genre. Have read and watched Mahabharat several times over the course of my life. Despite the same story is alluring especially from different individual's perspective. Right.. wrong is all a matter of perspective.
This book is an easy and interesting read. A must read for all mytho fans. Interesting details and dialogues keeps one mind wanting to read more.
Dharma is when ones heart and mind are aligned in what one speaks, intends and does. It should leave your soul in happy-calm state. Without a drop of any other emotion which disturbs the serenity of ones soul.

[Lalana · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a totally different perspective on a very iconic antagonist.
The story is told from his perspective very convincingly. Didn't imagine it this way; though some arguments seem a little far-fetched specially the section on Krishna.
I am sure the original in Marathi must be a great read, however the translation is shoddy in some places. Don't mean to offend the efforts of the translator but the editing could have been better. And unfortunately the copy I had, had some pages missing.

[Aroop Mitra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shockingly brilliant !

[Obheech Ghosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a magnificent piece of writing!! Never thought of Mahabharata from this angle. I am overwhelmed.

[Jithin James · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing retelling from the eyes of the vanquished

[Priya K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. Really gives the perspective of your idols aren't all that you thought they were.

[Vijay Tiwatane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justice to Karna and duryodhan. This is an another side of mahabharat. Everyone shall know this side. Please read.

[Shruti]

I really want to know the truth behind Kauravas birth anyone there?

[Sumant · Rating 3 out of 5]

दुर्योधन एक चांगली कादंबरी आहे त्याच्या मध्ये महाभारताचा राजनीतिक दृष्टीकोनातून विचार केला आहे. ह्या कादंबरी मध्ये कौरव विरुद्ध पांडव नाही आहे पण राजनीती प्रमाणे हे युद्ध कसे झाले याचे विश्लेषण दिले आहे . काका विधाते ह्यांनी दुर्योधनाची बाजू मांडली आहे. त्यांचे काही मुद्दे नक्कीच विचार करायला लावतात. दुर्योधनाचा बाजूने इतके राजे कसे काय आले ?. जर पांडव ह्यांना तह करायच्या होता मग त्यांनी आधी सेना का गोळा केली?. पांडव जर इतके श्रेष्ठ होते मग त्यांनी द्रौपदीची अशी लक्तरं कशी काय केली?. असे आणि बरेच प्रश्न तुम्हाला कादंबरी वाचल्यावर पडतात. दुर्योधन हा फक्त एकटा युद्धा साठी कारणीभूत नवता पण त्याच्या साठी तितेकेच कारणीभूत होते भीष्म,द्रौपदी,विदुर,कुंती आणि धृतराष्ट्र. कुंतीने जे पुत्र नियोगणी जन्म दिले त्याचा देवी म्हणून प्रचार करणारा विधुर,दुरोयाधनाचा नेहमीच दुस्वास करणारा विदुर किवा दुर्योधन राज्य कारभारा मध्ये येण्या पुर्वी स्वतचेच चालवणारा विदुर .

द्रौपदी ही कारणीभूत होती कारण तिने पदोपदी देदेप्यमान पुरुष्यांचा अपमान केला जसा तिणी कर्ण ह्याच्या अपमान तिच्या स्वय्मवरचे वेळी केला. तिने दुर्योधनाचा पण अपमान जेव्हा तो इंद्रप्रस्थ इथे येतो आणि पाण्यात पडतो तेव्हा केला.मला हे म्हणून असे नक्कीच म्हण���याचे नाही आहे की द्रौपदीचा जो अपमान जो कुरु सभे मध्ये जो झाला तो बरोबर होता, तो प्रकार नक्कीच चुकीचा होता.

अश्या रीतीनी ही कादंबरी नक्कीच तुम्हाला महाभारता बद्दल तुम्हाला वेगळा विचार करायला लावेल त्याच्या मधले बरेच असे मुद्दे आहेत जे तुम्हाला पटणार पण नाहीत. पण नक्कीच एकदा वाचावी अशी ही कादंबरी आहे.

[NITIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the good novels on Mahabharata that says about Duryodhana side against Padavas. The book also shows other sides of few incidents of Mahabharata like - burning of Lakshagruha where everyone thought Pandava died due Durodhana plan.
Language of book is really good and flow is also good. It will not be vest of time to read the book after reading mrutunjaya. You will love to read the book even if you have read other books related to Mahabharata.
The book do not include and says about existence of god power in their life-time and it do not says that Krishna was a god, Karna had his Kavach and other super powers like vaijaanti of Karna and all others.
And the book is all about Duryodhana and shows his good points that we have never seen in other books.

[ReaderDoc · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Asura' was the story of Ravana. 'Duryodhan' is the story of, well, Duryodhan, the first son of Gandhari and Dhritarashtra. Every one who stood by his side in the epic battle of Kuruksheta plays narrator in various phases of the eponymous character's life. While Vyasa's Mahabharata is written by the victors, this is the story of the vanquished.

Those who have read 'Yuganta' by Irawati Karve may find this an extension of that book. There is a crowd of too many similies and metaphors in this book. Some of them are repeated so often that they seem jarring.

This was my first book in Marathi after about an year. It seemed like a homecoming.

[Ajinkya Marathe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here I found a practical approach of looking towards the scriptures like Mahabharat. The political situation is finely described. Here we get an another aspect of Duryodhan. It depicts how the rivalry between the Pandavas and Duryodhan was strictly political. The ideas of Duryodhan about an effective and efficient administration are precisely described.