The Mahabharata has been retold from many perspectives—Draupadi, Arjuna, and Krishna among them and you will find many such books in the market. However, this book offers a fresh and deeply thought-out narrative by presenting the epic through the eyes of Dhritarashtra, the blind king. It provides a unique insight into his struggles, regrets, and the weight of his choices.
But donot limit your understanding here because let me tell you, The Blind King is actually more than just a retelling of Dhritarashtra’s story but it is a reflection of human nature, choices, and consequences.
Through Dhritarashtra’s literal and metaphorical blindness, the book explores how personal attachments, moral dilemmas, and leadership responsibilities shape our lives.
It shares insights into the emotional and moral struggles of Dhritarashtra in the aftermath of the Mahabharata war. As the once-mighty ruler of Hastinapura, he is left grappling with the weight of his past decisions—the blind love for his son Duryodhana, his failure to uphold justice, and his reluctance to follow dharma. When Krishna visits him, their conversation forces Dhritarashtra to reflect on the consequences of his actions.
Not only that, we learn more about other characters like Kunti, Gandhari's, karna, shakuni, etc actions and their consequences and thus destiny. Of course I liked Krishna's timeless wisdom sharing to provide them further clarity. Guilt and regret consume the king as he realizes how his choices led to the destruction of his family and kingdom.
Thus each chapter starting with a timeless quote of wisdom explores leadership, responsibility, and redemption, showing how attachments and insecurities can cloud our judgment.
I learnt a lot about Dhritrastra's childhood and developing years. It enriched my knowledge as well. Dhritrashtra, born blind, struggled with feelings of inadequacy and societal doubt despite his intelligence and leadership skills. His younger brother, Pandu, was admired for his abilities, and was favoured more as well deepening Dhritrashtra's frustration. Despite his mother's support, he faced skepticism, especially from Bhishma, leading to a growing sense of jealousy and internal turmoil which finally also led him towards the war.
Through Dhritarashtra’s journey of self-awareness, the story highlights that true wisdom comes from acknowledging one's mistakes.
I found that the story urged me at various points to examine my own blind spots in life, questioning whether I truly see the impact of my own actions. If you read it, you will witness yourself contemplating as well. But best is to put them in your actions too.
It also highlights that while past mistakes cannot be undone, self-awareness and redemption are always possible.
Ultimately, the book serves as a guide for introspection, encouraging wiser choices in personal and societal roles.
It is going to be a meaningful and memorable read for those interested in mythology, philosophy, and the deeper moral lessons within the Mahabharata.