Hindu Mythology is enchanting, especially the stories and characters within that. In epic Mahabharat, Kuru dynasty ruled Hastinapur. It is said that, Mahabharat consists of all the situations, that may arise in one’s life. It also covers all types human characters & traits, which are known to us. Let’s focus on a unique character of Mahabharat – Dushala
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Dushala – The Kuru Clan Member
There are many characters, around whom the story moves. We covered one “Yuyutsu” from Kuru clan! Now, the next one Dushala again from the same.
Dushala – Birth and Childhood
There is one character Dushala, who was only daughter of Gandhari and Dhrutrashtra. Except Duryodhan & Dushasan, 98 Kaurav and Dushala have little mention in the epic. With Sage Vyasa’s boon Gandhari became mother of 100 sons. But, she had a wish to have a daughter, too. That wish, too, was fulfilled by Sage Vyasa’s boon.
That way, Gandhari became mother of 100 sons and 1 daughter and Dushala was the only sister to hundred Kaurav. There are not many references of her upbringing. Only thing that, she grew up under teachings and guidance of Pitamah Bhishma, the patriarch of Kuru clan.
Being only daughter within family, Dushala had a childhood, full of joy & happiness. There are some references that, unlike other Kaurav, she was not influenced by Duryodhan’s hatred for Pandav and she had love and affection for Pandav during their togetherness in childhood.
Dushala – Married Life
After joyous and happy childhood. She probably had a miserable married life, after marrying Jayadrath, the king of Sindhu empire. Some question, why Duryodhan didn’t marry her to his closest friend Karna? Probably Duryodhan had no say in this. Or this marriage took place, when they were very young and Duryodhan hadn’t become friend with Karna.
There is a reference in Adi parva that, Dhrutarashtra chose this alliance for her, upon careful examination. Probably, there could have been consultation with Shakuni, who had great political insight. In those days marriages in kingdoms had a strong political backdrop. The possible reason could be that Jayadrath, apart from being the king of Sindhu, had a powerful allies like Magadh, Madra, Gandhar.
There is a reference that, apart from Dushala, Jayadrath had two other wives. One from Gandhar Kingdom and other from Kamboj. He was also attracted to Draupadi.
Dushala – Relations with Pandav
During exile of Pandav, Jayadrath kidnapped Draupadi to marry her. However, Pandav chased and captured him. Bheem wanted to kill Jayadrath, for his misadventure. But, Draupadi reminded Pandav of Dushala, their sister, who will be widow. That is why Pandav spared him for their sister Dushala’s sake. Bheem shaved his head as punishment and sent back.
There is a reference that, Jayadrath happily told Dushala about the ordeal faced by Pandav after losing the game of dice (Dyutkrida) to Shakuni, who was playing on behalf of Kaurav. But Dushala was sad to hear about the price Pandav paid.
Everyone knows that Jayadrath was slayed by Arjun in the great war of kurukshetra. Dushala’s son suradh was made king of Sindhu after Jayadrath’s death. He ruled the kingdom for few years, under her guidance as Rajmata.
Few years after Kurukshetra war, Pandavs arrange ashwamedh yadya to unify large nos of kingdoms in to a strong nation. The Ashwamedh horse reached Sindhu kingdom, along with army of Pandav. Sindhu kingdom army fought a fierce battle with the army of Pandav to avenge death of Jayadrath. But, their loss was destined. In the meanwhile, with the news of arrival of Pandav and their army, Suradh fainted out of fear and he and died.
There are two conflicting references here, in one Dushala goes to battleground to face army of Pandav, but Arjun goes in front of Dushala’s army without any arms, to make peace with her. As per other reference, After Surath’s death, Dushala’s grandson challenges Arjun, but Dushala goes to battleground and pleads mercy for her grandson and stops the battle. Pandav were shaken with the news and feel sorry for their sister and death of their nephew. Not only they stopped war, but consoled their sister for her son’s death. Before leaving they incarnated her grand son as the ruler of Sindhu kingdom. They also spared Sindu kingdom from the unification process undertaken with Ashwamedh Yadna.
Though, Dushala had a joyous childhood, her later life was challenging !
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dushala in Mahabharat
Hey everyone! You know how vast the Mahabharat is, and sometimes, even significant characters like Dushala can leave us with questions. We’ve gathered some common queries people have about her, including “who is dushala” and “kauravas sister name.” Let’s dive in and learn more about this intriguing figure!
Q1: Who was Dushala in Mahabharat? What was her connection to the Kauravas?
A1: Dushala was the only sister of the Kauravas, and hence, the only daughter of King Dhritarashtra and Queen Gandhari. She was technically the sister of Duryodhan and all his 99 brothers. Her story is quite poignant, often highlighting the family ties that sometimes transcended the war itself. She holds a unique place in the epic!
Q2: What was the name of the Kauravas sister?
A2: The Kauravas sister name was Dushala. She was the hundredth child born to Gandhari, after her hundred sons. So, when people ask for the Kauravas sister name, Dushala is the answer!
Q3: Who was Dushala in Mahabharata? Where does she fit into the story?
A3: Dushala in Mahabharata was the beloved daughter of Dhritarashtra and Gandhari, making her the sister to all the 100 Kaurava brothers. She was married to Jayadratha, the king of Sindhu. Her role, though not central to the war planning, becomes very important later, especially due to her husband’s actions and the tragic aftermath. She represents the innocent who suffer due to the conflicts of others.
Q4: Who is Dushala, sister of Duryodhan? Was she close to her brothers?
A4: Dushala was indeed the sister of Duryodhan. As the only sister, she was likely cherished by her brothers, especially Duryodhana. However, her marriage to Jayadratha, who caused significant harm to the Pandavas (like abducting Draupadi and attacking Arjuna’s son Abhimanyu), put her in a very difficult position. Her personal bonds clashed tragically with the larger conflict.
Q5: What happens to Dushala in Mahabharat after the Kurukshetra War?
A5: This is where her story gets very sad. After the Kurukshetra War, Dushala’s husband, Jayadratha, was killed by Arjuna to avenge Abhimanyu’s death. This left Dushala a widow. Later, when Arjuna visited Sindhu (her kingdom) during the Ashwamedha Yagya, Dushala’s son, Suratha, tragically died of fear upon hearing of Arjuna’s arrival. Dushala herself pleaded with Arjuna, reminding him of their family bond, which ultimately led Arjuna to protect her grandson, the new king. She faced immense grief and loss because of the war.
Q6: What is the significance of Dushala Mahabharat in the larger epic?
A6: Dushala Mahabharat is significant because she serves as a poignant symbol of innocence caught in the web of war and familial strife. Her personal suffering, especially after losing her husband and then almost her son, highlights the devastating consequences of the Kauravas’ actions. She’s a reminder of the human cost of conflict, showing how even those who aren’t direct participants endure immense pain due to the choices of others. She is the embodiment of the phrase “war spares no one.”
We hope these answers give you a clearer picture of Dushala, the unique sister of Kauravas! Did we miss any questions about her? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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