In Mahabharata, The epic war of Kurukshetra could have been avoided, had it not been for that fateful game of dice. The game of dice was one of the central driving force behind the Mahabharata. To give a nod to this game between Kauravas and Pandavas was the biggest mistake of Dhritrashtra. It proved a turning point.
Webdunia
Webdunia
Duryodhan and his maternal uncle Shakuni had approached Dhritrashtra and sought permission for the game. Dhritrashtra asked the duo to wait for his approval till he consult Vidur. But Duryodhan forced Dhritrashtra to immediately approve it so he declared that the game will be played between Pandavas and Kauravas.
When Vidur came to know about it, he warned Dhritrashtra of dire consequences if this game is played. Dhritrashtra ignored Vidur’s warning and sent him to invite Yudhishthir for the game. Yudhishthir suffered a heavy defeat in the game. First, he lost wealth, then his brothers and later himself. When there was nothing left Yudhishthir put Draupdi at stake and lost her too. The humiliation of Draupdi by Duryodhan and Dushasan evoked immense fury in Padavas and paved way for the war.
A final move to call off the war was made by Krishna when he approached Duryodhan and floated a proposal before him. Krishna became the messenger of peace of Pandavas and went to Hastinapur. He told Sanjay that Pandvas will be ready for a treaty if only they are given ownership of just five villages. To which Duryodhan said to Dhritrashtra that Pandavas are terrified with the strength of his army.
Dhritrashtra said that if allotting mere five villages can avoid the bloodshed, It should be done. Hell bent on having a war, Duryodhan got infuriated and said that he won’t even give a tip of the needle without a war. Sanjay had no option but to convey the message to Krishna that now the bloody war is inevitable.