Duryodhana had deployed a vast contingent of spies to look for the Pandavas in every land. The order was to search in capital cities, villages and even in uninhabited forests. They had formed groups to comb through every nook and corner of lands far and near. At the end of the year all returned without finding any trace of the Pandavas.
The Matsyas were enemies of the Kauravas. Duryodhana’s spies had to move discretely inside the land of the Virata. They also returned without any news of Yudhishthira and his brothers. They reported the only news they could gather, of Keechaka having been killed by some Gandharvas.
Further course of action
Duryodhana was mystified. How could his enemies disappear from the face of earth without leaving any trace? He consulted with his elders and supporters. Some concluded that the Pandavas must have perished in some remote forests. But, Drona ruled out any such possibility. He categorically stated that Yudhishthira was wise and would steer his brothers out of all dangers. The younger Pandavas would always follow what their elder brother said. Bhishma agreed with Drona on this point. The two were sure that the Pandavas would emerge at the end of the stipulated period and claim their share of the vast Kuru empire. They suggested to Duryodhana to be ready to face their challenge, if he refused their demand.
The ruler of Trigarta, by name, Susarma was among the kings assembled in the Kaurava palace. The death of Keechaka was excellent news for him. He had tried several times to invade the Matsya land. Each time, the formidable Keechaka inflicted heavy damage on his own army and on the morale of Susarma.
He spoke to Duryodhana. “If Keechaka is out, then the Matsya kingdom is vulnerable. This is the time to invade the country. We should force into the Matsya land from two sides. We can easily defeat the Virata and plunder their land of its vast cattle wealth and other valuables like gold and jewelry”.
Threat from the Trigarta
The first threat the Matsyas faced was from the Trigarta. He came with a large force and drove off with more than half of the cattle, numbering a hundred thousand. The herdsman came in panic and reported the matter to Virata. The Matsya king wasted no time to form into a battle array and go after the Trigarta.
Yudhishthira knew that their year in hiding was over. He consulted his brothers, Bhima, Nakula and Sahadeva and offered help. By the time the Pandavas joined the battle, Susarma had inflicted heavy casualty in the Matsya arrays. Virata, himself, was being taken prisoner by the Trigarta. Yudhishthira asked Bhima to help their mentor, the king of Matsya. Bhima fought fiercely with the Trigartas and drove off their entire force from the battle field. He caught hold of Susarma by the hair and was about to behead him. But, Yudhishthira asked Bhima to save the life of the king. The Matsyas returned victorious with the help of the four guests who had taken refuge with them.
The Kaurava onslaught
Duryodhana waited in the outskirts of the Virata capital for the right opportunity. When the king marched with a large army to face Susarma the Kaurava struck from the other side. He drove away with the remaining cattle of the Matsya challenging the authority of the Virata king.
When the herdsmen protecting the cattle reported the matter the king was already away facing the Trigartas. Uttara, the son of Virata, was the only one who could come to their help. But, the prince preferred the luxuries of life to challenges on the field. He was in the company of women enjoying, singing and dancing. But, he could not ignore the threat as reported, especially, as he had to show off his valour in front of women. He often used to boast of his accomplishments in battle just to boost his own ego. So, he proclaimed that he would fight with all the Kauravas, including Bhishma and Drona and defeat them all single handedly. But, he needed a skilled charioteer. Unfortunately, his own man was killed in battle a few months back.
Brihannala in the new role
Draupadi heard the empty claims of the boastful Uttara. She knew how hopeless his case would be facing the formidable Kauravas. He would be no match to any of them. She also knew that the twelve months of their time were over. There was no danger of revealing their identity any more. So, she hinted to the princess. “I have heard the story that our Brihannala had the occasion to drive the chariot of Arjuna when he and Krishna fought with Indra while burning the Khandava forest. May be she could help”. The situation was desperate and something had to be done. So, the princess conveyed the possibility to her brother. Prince Uttara first frowned upon the offer from a eunuch to drive his chariot. But, he finally yielded.
The ladies in the harem giggled finding their companion, Brihannala, putting on armour on top of her colourful Saree. They joked to her. “Brihannala, do not forget to bring good clothes from Hastinapura after you and the prince defeat the entire Kaurava force”.
Back to form
Brihannala drove the chariot skillfully towards the Kaurava army. Prince Uttara was somewhat shaken sitting in the chariot that was moving at break neck speed. He could hear the twangs emerging from the Kaurava bow strings. He was completely unnerved and asked Brihannala to return to the palace. But, Arjuna had no such idea. He drove on ignoring the pleas of the frightened Matsya prince. At one stage, He even had to force the prince back into the chariot as he was trying to jump out.
The Kauravas puzzled
The Kauravas spotted the lone chariot speedily following them. The charioteer appeared to be a woman. That did not make sense. But, the chariot was being steered skillfully. The elders like Bhishma and Drona sensed the touch of Arjuna in the way the chariot was moving. They remarked that it would not be easy for them, if it was, indeed Arjuna, who was coming to challenge them.
But, the chariot took a different direction and came to a stop beneath a tree.
To restore the weapons
Arjuna first took the chariot to the tree on which his weapons were hidden. He explained to Uttara where he would find weapons and asked him to climb up the tree. But, the prince was hesitant because of the rumour that the tree was haunted. Arjuna assured him of safety and persuaded him to get on top of the tree. Uttara was astonished to find various weapons including excellent bows and sharp arrows safely hidden there. Arjuna asked him to take the whole lot down.
Uttara asked in astonishment: “Whose are these weapons and how did they get here?”
Arjuna replied. “These belong to the Pandavas. This is Gandeeva of Arjuna. They left them here when they went into hiding”. He then, pointed to each weapon belonging to the other Pandavas. Uttara’s confusion only increased. How did Brihannala know all these details?
Arjuna thought that it was time to reveal his identity. He told the bewildered Uttara about himself and his brothers and how they got into the palace of Virata.
Arjuna, then, asked Uttara to drive the chariot for him. He would face the entire Kaurava forces single handedly. Uttara had heard about all the famous adventures of the Pandava. It was a different proposition to be his charioteer when the great Arjuna was in command of the battle. So, the two turned to face the Kauravas, Uttara on the seat of the charioteer and Arjuna holding his Gandiva to face the enemies.
We shall continue with the adventure in the next episode.
