Ramayana's Kaikeyi is manipulative, Mahabharata's Gandhari is sorrowful from "summary" of Ramayana Versus Mahabharata by Devdutt Pattanaik
In the epic Ramayana, the character Kaikeyi is portrayed as manipulative. She schemes to secure the throne for her son Bharata by manipulating King Dasharatha into fulfilling her wishes. Kaikeyi's actions are driven by her ambition and desire for power, leading her to use deceit and cunning to achieve her goals. Her manipulation ultimately sets in motion a chain of events that result in the exile of Prince Rama, the rightful heir to the throne. On the other hand, in the Mahabharata, we encounter the character of Gandhari, who is depicted as sorrowful. Gandhari's life is marked by tragedy and loss, beginning with her decision to blindfold herself to share in her husband's blindness. This act of sacrifice sets the tone for Gandhari's story, which is characterized by grief and sorrow. She endures the loss of her sons in the Kurukshetra war and is left to mourn the destruction of her family and kingdom. While Kaikeyi's manipulation stems from a desire for power and control, Gandhari's sorrow is born out of her deep love and devotion to her family. The contrast between these two characters highlights the different motivations and emotions that drive their actions. Kaikeyi's manipulation is calculated and self-serving, while Gandhari's sorrow is genuine and heartfelt. Despite their differences, both characters play significant roles in their respective epics, shaping the destinies of the heroes and influencing the outcomes of the stories. Through the characters of Kaikeyi and Gandhari, the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata explore complex themes of power, duty, love, and loss. Kaikeyi's manipulation serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of selfish ambition, while Gandhari's sorrow reminds us of the pain that comes with attachment and devotion. Together, these contrasting characters offer a rich tapestry of human emotions and motivations, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of life and the choices we make.
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