Episode 40 - Subhadra Haran

Subhadra Haran

Note to the readers: I have used the word kidnap in the title, but it is not meant in the literal sense. As Krishna said,

अगर किसी के निर्णय से उसका हरण किया जाए, तो उसे हरण नहीं, वरन कहा जाता है।

Synopsis

On Krishna’s advice, Arjun leaves to build alliances for the upcoming war with Subhdra, Krishna’s sister. Shakuni realizes this and plans the next course of action. He also sends Duryodhan to marry Subhadra. Duryodhan while sparring with Balram wins the match. Balram tells him that he can give him anything he wants. Duryodhan asks for his help in marrying Subhadra. Balram agrees to help him. The celestial Subhadra is introduced in a song sequence. Arjun meets her while she was dancing in the rain. Krishna introduces them. Before Krishna can talk to Vasudev about their marriage, Balram proposes Duryodhan’s marriage to Subhadra, much to her dismay. Krishna orchestrates Subhadra’s kidnapping by Arjun. He advises Subhadra to go to a pooja, and Arjun to kidnap her there. Krishna warns him about Draupadi’s reaction when he brings her there. Arjun kidnaps Subhadra, prompting Balram to gather his warriors and wage war against him. Krishna uses reason and persuasion to resolve the conflict.

Discussion

• The time sequences at the beginning of episodes is very important. Since the show aired a long time ago and many sources have uploaded it online, many things are skipped over. For example, in this episode the time sequence explained away how Arjun left for the yatra. His bow and arrow were kept in Draupadi’s room. Then a brahman’s cow was stolen and to fulfill his kshtriya dharma and save the cow he had to get the bow and arrow. When this happened, Yudhisthir and Draupadi were already in the room and he barged in. To repent for this, he left on the pretense of Yatra. If he outright admitted he was going to marry Subhadra it would have caused a rift in the family.
• The fight sequences are a refreshing change from the usual dialogue heavy episodes. This time we get to see a gada yuddh between Balram and Duryodhan when they were Sparring. Balram calls him the best Gada yoddha in the world. This holds importance for events that happen during the war.
• Another lovely song sequence when the beautiful Aloka Mukherjee is introduced as Subhadra.
• This is another time Krishna calls Draupadi his sister. There will come a time when he will have to prove his kinship to her.
• Concept of marital alliances is very important in the Mahabharat. Krishna is always looking for ways to strengthen the Pandavs. Marriage, although a sacred bond of love also serves as an important political tool.
• Now we get to see the story that unfolds once Arjun brings back Subhadra and how Draupadi reacts to it. Shakuni’s plan is foiled and we also have to see how they plan their next move.

Notable Dialogue

सुभद्रा: कौन हैं आप?

अर्जुन: यात्री हूँ।

सुभद्रा: कहाँ-कहाँ की यात्रा की?

अर्जुन: पूरे भारतवर्ष की यात्रा कर के यहाँ आया हूँ।

सुभद्रा: अर्जुन को देखा है?

रण-भूमि क्षत्रिय की ससुराल होती है, और अपनी ससुराल में पूरी तैयारी करके ही जाना चाहिए।

काव्य की तो परिभाषा ही ऐसी है बहना, कि जो सुने वो कह उठे कि यही सत्य है।

पिताओं को कभी अपनी कन्या साधारण नहीं दिखती।

सीमाओं के घटने से कोई संतुष्ट नहीं होता।

अपने जीवन के विषय में आज्ञा नहीं ली जाती। निर्णय लिया जाता है।

स्त्री कोई पशु नहीं है, जो पुरस्कार बनाकर किसी को दे दी जाए। वह कोई वस्तु नहीं है कि हारी या जीती जा सके!

सुभद्रा हरण से कहीं कठिन लक्ष्य है, सुभद्रा का द्रौपदी से मिलन।