The Kaunteyas

by Madhavi S. Mahadevan

Taittreya Upanishad. From food all creatures are produced, and by food, when born, do they grow.

Duryodhana gave a roar of outrage. ‘How dare you!’ he shouted at Bheem. ‘Does anyone seek to know where the source of a mighty river lies? It is no different with the lineage of heroes. A hero is known only by his strength. Even the pedigree of gods and gurus is not known. Take your own guru Drona. Wasn’t he born in a water pot? And what of Kripacharya? The story is that he sprang from a clump of grass. Do we ask these venerable men questions about their ancestry? And if we do, then shouldn’t we start by raising a few questions about you and your siblings as well?’