Dhritarashtra

Dhritarashtra was a king of Hastinapura, the capital of the ancient Indian kingdom of Kuru. He was the eldest son of Shantanu, the previous king of Hastinapura, and his wife, Satyavati. Dhritarashtra's reign marked the beginning of the Mahabharata era, a significant period in Indian history and mythology.

Dhritarashtra had 100 sons and one daughter, Gandhari, from his first wife, Ambika. He later had 100 sons and one daughter, Duryodhana, from his second wife, Gandhari. The 100 sons from his first marriage were known as the Kauravas, while the 100 sons from his second marriage were known as the Pandavas. The Pandavas were the sons of his half-brother, Pandu, and his wife, Kunti.

Dhritarashtra's reign was marked by political intrigue and conflict. The Pandavas, who were exiled from Hastinapura, returned with the help of the god Krishna and challenged Dhritarashtra's rule. This led to the famous Kurukshetra War, a pivotal event in Indian mythology. The war resulted in the death of many great warriors and ultimately led to the establishment of the Pandava dynasty.

Dhritarashtra's reign was also marked by his wisdom and justice. He was known for his ability to make fair decisions and his commitment to upholding the law. However, his inability to control his sons, particularly Duryodhana, led to the downfall of his kingdom and the eventual establishment of the Pandava dynasty.