"Once he begets a child, then he must return". Thus spoke Kunti to Hidimbi when the latter asked for her consent to marrying Bhim.
In the forests, the Pandavas came across a cannibalistic Rakshasha (this might be nothing but a cannibalistic tribes found in the forest at the time). Bhima fought and killed him. In between, he also received some assistance from a female rakshasha. After killing, the female Rakshasha introduces herself as Hidimibi and confesses that the one who dies was her brother Hidimba. Then she proposes Bhim to marry her. This shows the lack of laws of orderly marriage in the forest tribe. Civilization has not caught up yet. They are still victim to passions and instincts. Bhima refuses and then she asks Kunti.
Kunti is now aware that they have dangers back home as well. Any kind of relationships with this forest tribes will be beneficial to her sons. Also, Bhim has killed Hidimba and hence, this relationship will negate any hostility. But then Hidimbi is a forest tribe, lower than the lowest caste of the civilised society. He checks with Yuddhistira who confirms that there is no problem in Bhim getting married to Hidimbi. This shows how Yuddhistira determines castes. Yet, Kunti knows as royal prince it is not suitable for Bhim to have such a wife. Yet, she plays a masterstroke (not better than the one she will play later). She consents to it on the condition that Bhim will leave her as soon as she begets a child.
And what a child is born! That child is Ghatotkacha and what an important role he plays in the great war.
No comments:
Post a Comment