Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Ancient India: Kinship, Caste and Class

Question:

Read the passage and answer the question:

Let's examine a significant incident from the Mahabharata. Within the context of the protracted conflict between the Kauravas and the Pandavas, a pivotal episode unfolded when Duryodhana invited Yudhisthira to engage in a game of dice. In this encounter, Yudhisthira, ensnared by his adversary's deceitful tactics, wagered his wealth, elephants, chariots, servants, military forces, treasury, kingdom, the well-being of his subjects, his own kin, and ultimately even himself, only to lose all his stakes. In a grievous turn of events, Yudhisthira then staked his shared wife, Draupadi, and unfortunately lost her as well.

What was the condition on which Yudhisthira agreed to marry Bhim to Hidimba?

Options:

They would spend the day together but Bhima would return every night.

They would spend the night together but Bhima would return every morning.

They would spend the rest of their life as celibates.

None of the above.

Correct Answer:

They would spend the day together but Bhima would return every night.

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option  1 - They would spend the day together but Bhima would return every night.

Yudhisthira agreed to the marriage on the condition that they would spend the day together but that Bhima would return every night.

The Pandavas had fled into the forest. They were tired and fell asleep; only Bhima, the second Pandava, renowned for his prowess, was keeping watch. A man-eating rakshasa caught the scent of the Pandavas and sent his sister Hidimba to capture them. She fell in love with Bhima, transformed herself into a lovely maiden and proposed to him. He refused. Meanwhile, the rakshasa arrived and challenged Bhima to a wrestling match. Bhima accepted the challenge and killed him. The others woke up hearing the noise. Hidimba introduced herself, and declared her love for Bhima. She told Kunti: “I have forsaken my friends, my dharma and my kin; and good lady, chosen your tiger-like son for my man … whether you think me a fool, or your devoted servant, let me join you, great lady, with your son as my husband.” Ultimately, Yudhisthira agreed to the marriage on condition that they would spend the day together but that Bhima would return every night. The couple roamed all over the world during the day. In due course Hidimba gave birth to a rakshasa boy named Ghatotkacha. Then the mother and son left the Pandavas. Ghatotkacha promised to return to the Pandavas whenever they needed him.