The Envoy

Dūta Vākyam
 {3}

The Envoy

Dūta Vākyam

In the sequence of the Mahābhārata narrative this play comes

after The Middle One and Five Nights. The setting of the first
play was the Pandava princes in exile, in the forest, following
the loss of their kingdom in a game of dice with their cousins
and enemies, the Kauravas. In the second play, the exile comes
to an end in the court of King Virata. The Envoy is set in the
next phase when efforts are made, without success, to regain
the kingdom by peaceful means. These phases correspond
respectively to the third, fourth and fifth books of the epic,
entitled Forest, Virata and Effort.
The period of Effort was marked by intense diplomatic
activity prior to the great war. On the one hand, the Pandavas
assembled their friends, particularly those with whom they had
forged matrimonial alliances. These included the Panchala
King Drupada, whose daughter Draupadi had earlier wed the
five brothers; the Yadava chief Krishna, whose sister Subhadra
had married Arjuna; and King Virata of Matsya, whose
daughter had married the son of Arjuna and Subhadra at the
end of the exile.
On the other hand, the Pandavas and the Kauravas
exchanged a number of messages and emissaries. Their
deliberations on the contents of such messages and the
qualities of the emissary provide a considerable manual on the
art of diplomacy, alongside other didactic or informative
dissertations with which the epic abounds.
Eventually, Krishna himself went to the Kuru court to seek a
peaceful solution. His mission is narrated in the epic at some
length. In the Pandava camp there is a discussion, before his
departure, on the stance he should take. The Kauravas discuss
how he should be received: the elders feel he should be treated
with honour; Duryodhana prefers to have him arrested. The
actual mission lasts three days. On the final day, Krishna
addresses the Kuru assembly. He and the elders try to persuade
Duryodhana to divide the realm with the Pandavas. On his
refusal, Krishna reproaches him and later suggests that he
should be imprisoned in the interest of peace. Meanwhile,
Duryodhana leaves the assembly and himself plans to capture
Krishna. When he returns, Krishna manifests his cosmic form
and then departs.
The story of Krishna’s mission is presented in The Envoy in a
single act. The picture depicting Draupadi’s humiliation during
the game of dice, exhibited by Duryodhana to belittle Krishna,
has been invented by the dramatist to create an effect: it does
not exist in the original epic. The appearance in personified
form of Krishna’s divine weapon, Sudarshana, is in the same
category. In the original play Sudarshana is also accompanied
briefly by some other divine weapons which have been
excluded in this translation. Another feature of the play is the
manner in which the Kaurava assembly’s deliberations are
acted out by Duryodhana in a long soliloquy.
The protagonists of the play are Krishna and Duryodhana.
The latter is depicted as a proud and defiant figure, as in the
other Mahābhārata plays of Bhasa. He appears as the actual
king of the Kurus, even though his blind father is alive. The
portrayal of Krishna is of particular interest. As in the epic, he
is shown as both human and divine. The human aspect is more
apparent in the first part of the play, particularly in the heated
exchanges with Duryodhana. And even when the divine aspect
is clearly manifested towards the end, there is still a human
trace in the dialogue with Sudarshana.
Among the characters mentioned in the play, the Kuru
nobles, Vaikarna and Varshadeva, are inventions of the
dramatist. Jarasandha appears in the epic as the mighty king of
Magadha who was friendly with the Kauravas and an enemy of
Krishna. He mounted so many military expeditions against
Mathura, where Krishna originally ruled, that the latter was
obliged to retreat and establish a new capital at Dwaraka on
the western coast of India. Eventually, Jarasandha was killed
by the Pandava prince Bhima. Kansa was Krishna’s uncle and
ruled over Mathura before he was killed by his nephew.
A complete understanding of the reference to Vichitravirya
in the play requires some explanation of the practice of the
niyoga in ancient India. Sons were considered essential for the
performance of an individual’s funeral rites which were
necessary for assuring the welfare of the deceased in afterlife.
They were also needed to ensure that the inheritance remained
within the family. If a man could not beget a son due to some
infirmity, or if he died without a male issue, it was admissible
for his wife to bear a son for him from some other suitable
person through the observance of the niyoga ritual; and such a
son would be regarded as his own for religious and legal
purposes.
The Kuru dynasty of Hastinapura had been perpetuated for
two generations through the practice of niyoga. The King
Vichitravirya died without any children though he had two
wives. After his elder brother Bhishma had declined to cohabit
with them as he had taken a vow of celibacy, the sage Vyasa
was invited to father sons from them for Vichitravirya. The
results were Dhritarashtra, the father of the Kauravas, and
Pandu, the father of the Pandavas. Pandu also was prevented
by a curse from having progeny. As such, with his consent, his
wives bore for him the five Pandavas who were begotten of the
gods.
The epilogue of the play is worthy of note as pointing to the
geographical existence of a kingdom at the time. The same
verse figures at the end of Bhasa’s well-known play Svapna
Vāsavadattā and also Bālacharita. Rajasimha, here translated as
the lion-king, is also mentioned at the end of Five Nights.
Whether this is the name or the title of a particular king
remains a question for historians.
 Cast in order of appearance

The Producer in the Prologue

Chamberlain of the Kuru court, named Badarayana
Duryodhana also called Suyodhana, king of the Kurus
Krishna the god Narayana incarnate, also called Vishnu, Keshava
Sudarshana the discus, the divine weapon of Vishnu personified
Dhritarashtra the blind old king, father of Duryodhana
Other characters mentioned in theplay
Vaikarna a Kuru noble
Varshadeva a Kuru noble
Preceptor Dronacharya, teacher of the Kauravas and the Pandavas
Grandfather Bhishma, elder of the Kuru clan, also called son of Ganga
Uncle Shakuni, prince of Gandhara, brother of Gandhari,
Duryodhana’s mother
Karna a famous warrior, friend of Duryodhana
Draupadi wife of the Pandava brothers, Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna,
Nakula and Sahdeva, the cousins of
Duryodhana
Duhshasana,
Durmarshana,
Durmukha,
Durbuddhi,
Dushteshvara brothers of Duryodhana
Vichitravirya father of Dhritarashtra, husband of Ambika

Prologue
 [After the benediction, enter the Producer]
PRODUCER May the feet of Vishnu protect you; the feet with slender rosy
nails, which gladden all the worlds and which sent the demon
Namuchi hurtling through the sky.
And now, distinguished spectators, I have to announce that—but what
is that? There seems to be a sound just as I was about to start. Well, let
me see.
[Voices off stage]
VOICES Attention! Attention, you guards. King Duryodhana has
commanded …
PRODUCER Ah, I see. Discord having arisen between the sons of
Dhritarashtra and the sons of Pandu, an attendant is preparing the
council chamber at Duryodhana’s command.
[Exit]

[END OF PROLOGUE]
 ACT I

[Enter a Chamberlain]
CHAMBERLAIN Attention! Attention, you guards. King Duryodhana has
commanded that all the princes be summoned as he wishes to consult
with them today. But, oh, there is King Duryodhana himself coming
this way. There, with the royal parasol and flywhisk. He wears a white
silk mantle on his dark, youthful body, perfumed and gleaming with
jewels. He is splendid, like the full moon among the stars.
[Enter Duryodhana, as described]
DURYODHANA The anger in my heart has suddenly given way to joy at the
thought that the festival of war is at hand. Now my only wish is to
tear out the tusks of the finest elephants in the Pandava army.
CHAMBERLAIN Victory to the great king. All the princes have been
assembled as commanded by Your Majesty.
DURYODHANA Well done. You may go inside.
CHAMBERLAIN As Your Majesty commands. (Exit)
DURYODHANA My lords Vaikarna and Varshadeva, I have a force of eleven
armies. Tell me, who is fit to be its Commander-in-Chief? What did
you say? It is an important matter. It should be decided after
consultations. Quite so. Then come, let us go into the council
chamber. Greetings, preceptor. Please come into the council chamber,
sir. Greetings, grandfather, please come into the council chamber.
Uncle, greetings. Please enter the council chamber. Enter, lords
Vaikarna and Varshadeva. Enter freely, all you warriors. Comrade
Karna, let us go in. (Entering) Preceptor, here is the tortoise throne.
Please be seated. Grandfather, please take your seat on the lion
throne. Uncle, this is the leather throne. Please take a seat. Lords
 Vaikarna and Varshadeva, please take a seat. Please be seated all you
warriors. What? The king is not seated? What devotion! Well, I will sit
down. Friend Karna, please sit also. (Sitting down) Lords Vaikarna and
Varshadeva, I have a force of eleven armies. Tell me, who should be
its Commander-in-Chief? What did you say? Let the prince of
Gandhara speak. Very well. Let my uncle speak. What did uncle say?
Who else can be the Commander-in-Chief when the son of Ganga is
there? Well spoken, uncle. Very well, so be it. Grandfather, that is also
our wish. Let the hearts of their leaders sink even as the son of Ganga
is anointed to the roars of acclaim of our army.
[Enter the Chamberlain]
CHAMBERLAIN Victory to Your Majesty. Krishna, the best of men, has come
from the Pandava camp as an envoy.
DURYODHANA Don’t speak like that, Badarayana! Is that servant of Kansa
your best of men? Is that herder of cows your best of men? Is that
your best of men who was deprived by Jarasandha of his lands and
reputation? It this the way the king’s servant should behave? With
such insolent words? You ….
CHAMBERLAIN Have mercy, great king. I forgot he proper conduct in my
confusion. (Falls at his feet)
DURYODHANA Confusion? Ah well, people do get confused. You may get
up.
CHAMBERLAIN Oh, thank you, Your Majesty.
DURYODHANA It is all right. Now, who is this envoy who has arrived?
CHAMBERLAIN The envoy who has come is one Keshava.
DURYODHANA Keshava! That’s better. That’s the proper conduct. O you
princes, what will be proper for this Keshava who has come as an
envoy? What did you say? He should be received with honours? That
doesn’t appeal to me. I see merit in arresting him. If Keshava is
arrested the Pandavas would have lost their eyes. And, with the
Pandavas deprived of direction and advice, the whole earth will be
mine, without a rival. Moreover, if anyone gets up to receive Keshava,
he will be fined twelve gold coins by me. So, don’t forget that,
gentlemen. Now, what should be the reason for my not getting up?
Ah, that’s it. Badarayana! Bring me that painting which shows
Draupadi being dragged by her hair and her garments. (Aside) I will
look at it and not get up for Keshava.
CHAMBERLAIN As Your Majesty commands. (Exits and re-enters) Victory to
the great king. Here is that painting.
DURYODHANA Spread it out before me.
CHAMBERLAIN As Your Majesty commands. (Spreads it out)
DURYODHANA This is a picture worth seeing. Here is Duhshasana, holding
Draupadi by the hair. Here is Draupadi, seized by Duhshasana and
wide-eyed with terror. She looks like a digit of the moon in eclipse.
And here is that wretch Bhima, sizing up the pillars of the hall as he
angrily watches Draupadi being humiliated before all the princes.
Here is Yudhishthira, quietening Bhima with sidelong looks. He is the
righteous and truthful one, stupefied by the game of dice.
And here now is Arjuna, eyes filled with rage, lips trembling. He has
such contempt for his enemies. He slowly draws the string of his bow,
as if he would destroy them all. But Yudhishthira stops him.
And here are Nakula and Sahadeva, faces flushed, swords in hand,
ready to fight. Recklessly they attack my brother, like two calves
against a tiger. But Yudhishthira restrains them. And here is the prince
of Gandhara, laughing and casting the dice, as he gazes at the weeping
Draupadi from his couch. And Grandfather and the preceptor stand
there, covering their heads with their mantles, ashamed to see her.
What rich colours! What fine expressions! How perfect a composition!
This picture is really well done. I like it. Who is there?
CHAMBERLAIN Victory to the great king.
DURYODHANA Badarayana, bring in that envoy who is so proud just
because he rides on a bird.
CHAMBERLAIN As Your Majesty commands. (Exit)
DURYODHANA Well, Karna my friend. The crafty Krishna has come here on
a mission, like a servant of the Pandavas. Let us get ready to hear the
soft feminine words of Yudhishthira.
[Enter Krishna with the Chamberlain]
KRISHNA It is not fitting to come as an envoy to the proud Suyodhana who
grasps at even the unsaid word. But I am here today at the request of
Yudhishthira and out of true friendship for Arjuna. The Kuru clan is
going to be destroyed in the fire of Bhima’s anger, fanned by Arjuna’s
arrows and the disgrace of Draupadi.
Well, here is Suyodhana’s camp. The royal quarters look like paradise:
the arsenals are full of weapons; the horses neigh and the elephants
 trumpet. But none of this opulence can survive war among kinsmen.
This villain Suyodhana has no feelings for his kin. He speaks ill,
dislikes virtues and is not going to do what he should, even on seeing
me.
Well, Badarayana, should one go in?
CHAMBERLAIN Of course, of course. Please enter, Krishna.
KRISHNA (Entering) What is this? All the warriors seem confused on seeing
me. Sit at ease, gentlemen. There is no need for any agitation.
DURYODHANA What is this? All the warriors seem confused on seeing
Krishna. Enough of this. Please remember the fine which has been
ordained. I give the orders here.
KRISHNA O Suyodhana, how are you?
DURYODHANA (Falling down from his seat, aside) It is clear that Krishna has
arrived. I had made up my mind to keep sitting, but his power moved
me from my seat. This envoy is a cunning magician. (Aloud) Here is a
seat, ambassador, please be seated.
KRISHNA Preceptor, take a seat. Bhishma and the princes, please sit as you
wish. We will also sit. (Sits down) Oh, what a nice painting. But no! It
depicts Draupadi being dragged by the hair! This childish Suyodhana
thinks it brave to humiliate his kinsmen. Otherwise, who in this world
would display his own faults in an assembly. O take away this
painting.
DURYODHANA Badarayana! Take that picture away.
CHAMBERLAIN As Your Majesty commands. (Removes picture)
DURYODHANA Well, ambassador, how are my brothers, the son of Dharma,
Bhima the son of the wind god, Arjuna the son of the king of gods and
the modest sons of the twin gods. Are they and their people well?
KRISHNA Worthily spoken. O son of Gandhari, indeed they are all well.
And they have also enquired about your welfare and that of your
kingdom. Yudhishthira and his brothers also want to inform you that
they have suffered many sorrows. The time has now come. So let the
inheritance be divided, and the due share given to them.
DURYODHANA What inheritance? My uncle committed a crime while
hunting in the forest. The sage cursed him and he became impotent
with his wives. He had no progeny. How can a patrimony go to the
sons of others?

KRISHNA Since you know history, sir, let me also ask you. Vichitravirya
KRISHNA Since you know history, sir, let me also ask you. Vichitravirya
was addicted to pleasures and died of the wasting sickness. Your
father Dhritarashtra was born to Ambika from Vyasa. Then how did he
succeed to the kingdom? No, no, sir. By this way of mutual
confrontation the Kuru clan may soon become just a name. It is better
to give up anger and accept what Yudhishthira and the others have
lovingly requested.
DURYODHANA Mister ambassador, you do not understand the ways of
kings. One does not beg for a kingdom, nor give it as charity.
Kingdoms are won by princes with stout hearts who defeat their
enemies. If the Pandavas desire dominion let them act boldly.
Otherwise let them enter a hermitage and live there with peace-
minded monks.
KRISHNA O that is enough of harsh words for your kinsmen, Suyodhana.
Sovereignty is attained by the accumulated merit of past good deeds.
All is lost by cheating relatives and well-wishers.
DURYODHANA You had no pity for King Kansa, the brother-in-law of your
own father. Why should we have it for those who have always harmed
us?
KRISHNA That was not my fault. He invited death by imprisoning his old
father and making my mother suffer the loss of successive sons.
DURYODHANA Kansa was wholly betrayed by you. There is no need for self-
praise. It was not a brave deed. And where was your bravery when
you fled, terrified, from the king of Magadha who was enraged at his
son-in-law’s murder?
KRISHNA Suyodhana, the wise man’s bravery accords with the time, the
place and the situation. But, leave aside this mutual pleasantry and
come to my business. Have love for your brothers. Forget their faults.
Good relations with kinsmen have merit in both this and the next
world.
DURYODHANA How can there be kinship between mortal men and the sons
of gods? You repeat the same old tale. It is enough. Put an end to it.
KRISHNA (Aside) he does not change his attitude by conciliation. Well, I
must try him with strong words. (Aloud) Suyodhana, don’t you know
the might and power of Arjuna?
DURYODHANA I don’t.

KRISHNA Listen. He gave satisfaction in battle to Lord Shiva disguised as a

KRISHNA Listen. He gave satisfaction in battle to Lord Shiva disguised as a
hunter. With his arrows he held off the downpour of rain over the
burning Khandava forests. He destroyed the armoured demons as if in
sport. He defeated Bhishma and the rest singlehanded at the city of
King Virata. Another thing you yourself witnessed. On your visit to the
cattle farm, when Chitrasena carried you off screaming in the sky,
Arjuna released you. In short, son of Dhritarashtra, kindly give half
the kingdom as I have suggested. Otherwise the Pandavas will seize it
right up to the sea.
DURYODHANA What did you say? The Pandavas will seize it? Let the wind-
god in the shape of Bhima attack us in battle. Let the king of gods
himself strike us in the person of Arjuna. Not a blade of grass will I
give of this kingdom, held and protected by my forefathers. Not for all
your harsh words, ambassador.
KRISHNA You worthless blot on the house of Kuru! Are we discussing
blades of grass!
DURYODHANA Cowherd! Grass is indeed the thing for you, sir. Having
killed an innocent woman, and horses and bulls and wrestlers, you
shamelessly want to speak with respectable people!
KRISHNA Suyodhana, are you chiding me?
DURYODHANA You are not worthy of being spoken with. I bear the royal
white umbrella. My head is anointed with water from the hands of
high priests. You are no better than a follower of my vassal kings, I do
not speak with the likes of you. I tell them.
KRISHNA Indeed, Suyodhana does not speak with me. You villain! You
evil-eyed crow! You snake! The Kuru clan will soon be destroyed
because of you. I leave now, O you princes.
DURYODHANA How can Krishna leave? He has transgressed the proper
conduct of envoys. Duhshasana! Durmarshana! Durmukha!
Durbuddhi! Dushteshvara! Arrest him! What? You cannot?
Duhshasana! You are not able? This Krishna has no strength or power.
He is at fault by his own mouth in front of princes. He should be
arrested immediately. But you cannot! Uncle, arrest Krishna! What?
He turns his face and falls! Very well, I will arrest him myself.
(Advances)
KRISHNA Suyodhana wants to arrest me! Very well. Let me see if he can.
(Assumes the Universal Form)
DURYODHANA Envoy, today you are going to be arrested by me in front of
all these princes. Despite your pride. Even though you make magic
black or white. Even though you use difficult divine weapons. Just
wait. But how has Krishna disappeared? Ah, here he is. How small he
seems. Just wait. How has he disappeared again? Ah, here he is. How
large he seems. How has he disappeared once more? Here he is. But
there are Krishnas everywhere in the council chamber. What should I
do now? Very well. O you princes, each one of you arrest one Krishna.
What? The princes are falling down, bound with their own cords. Well
done, magician, well done! The Pandavas shall see you with sighs and
tearful eyes, when you are carried to their camp, with your limbs
pierced by my arrows. (Exit)
KRISHNA Very well. I will myself complete this work for the Pandavas.
Come here, O Sudarshana!
[Enter Sudarshana, the divine discus]
SUDARSHANA Here I am. Hearing the lord’s voice, and with his grace, I
have sped here through the clouds. At whom is the lotus-eyed lord
angered? On whose head should I appear today?
But, where is the Lord Narayana, the protector of the world, the
destroyer of enemies, the splendid one of many forms, the first, the
un-manifest and immeasurable soul? (Looking around) Ah, there is the
lord, in the role of an envoy at the gate of Hastinapura. Water! Where
is the ritual water? Some water, O lady Ganga of the sky! Ah, it flows.
(Performs ablution, and approaches) Victory to Lord Narayana! (Makes
salutation).
KRISHNA Sudarshana! Be matchless in power.
SUDARSHANA I thank you.
KRISHNA Fortunately you have arrived just in time, sir.
SUDARSHANA Just in time? Command me, lord, command me. Shall I
overturn the mountains? Shall I convulse the sea? Shall I pluck out the
stars? O God, by your grace there is nothing impossible for me.
KRISHNA Come here, Sudarshana. And you, rash Suyodhana, whether you
flee to mountain caves, or to the salty sea, or to the windswept, star-
crossed sky, today my swift-propelled discus will be the discus of your
death.
SUDARSHANA Suyodhana, you wretch! (Thinking further) Mercy! Mercy,
Lord Narayana. You have come upon this earth to ease its burdens. In
 this way, the effort would be wasted, O God!
KRISHNA Sudarshana! The proper conduct was overlooked by me in anger.
Return to your abode.
SUDARSHANA As the Lord Narayana commands. How can he be called a
cowherd? He who transcended the three worlds in three strides? All
should seek refuge in him. I go … I will return to my dear recess in
Mount Meru.
KRISHNA I too will leave for the camp of the Pandavas.
[Voice off stage]
VOICE No, no, he must not leave.
KRISHNA That sounds like the old king. I am here, O king.
[Enter Dhritarashtra]
DHRITARASHTRA Where is the Lord Narayana? Where is the Pandavas’
benefactor, the beloved of the virtuous, the delight of Devaki. O Ruler
of the three worlds, my son offended you. Now my head is placed at
your feet.
KRISHNA Oh dear! Your Majesty prostrates! Arise, arise.
DHRITARASHTRA I thank you, lord. Please accept this ritual water of
welcome.
KRISHNA I accept it all. What can I offer you in return?
DHRITARASHTRA If the lord is pleased, what else can I wish for?
KRISHNA Go, sir, till we meet again.
DHRITARASHTRA As the Lord Narayana commands. (Exit)

Epilogue

May the Lion King

lead us on this land adorned
by the Himalayas and the Vindhyas,
and stretched from sea to sea
in single sovereignty.