Power Politics

Published on 20th February, 2017, an Editorial for The Speaking Tree. Book Five of the Mahabharata, the Udyoga Parva (Book of Effort), deals with negotiations between the Kauravas and Pandavas. After thirteen years of exile, it is time for the Kauravas to return Indraprastha to the Pandavas, as per the terms of the agreement during the gambling match. Krishna knows that the Kauravas will use every trick in the book not to part with the land. Still, efforts are made for a peaceful transition of power. As we know from the epic, these efforts fail to bear fruit. First, Drupada’s messenger makes the request to ..