Question

Read the following source carefully and answer the following:

Draupadi's Marriage Drupada, the king of Panchala, organized a competition where the challenge was to string a bow and hit a target; the winner would be chosen to marry his daughter Draupadi. Arjuna was victorious and was garlanded by Draupadi. The Pandavas returned with her to their mother, Kunti, who, even before she saw them, asked them to share whatever they had got. She realized her mistake when she saw Draupadi, but her command could not be violated. After much deliberation, Yudhisthira decided that Draupadi would be their common wife. When Drupada was told about this, he protested. However, the seer Vyasa arrived and told him that the Pandavas were in reality incarnations of Indra, whose wife had been reborn as Draupadi, and they were thus destined for each other. Vyasa added that in another instance a young woman had prayed to Shiva for a husband and, in her enthusiasm, had prayed five times instead of once. This woman was now reborn as Draupadi, and Shiva had fulfilled her prayers. Convinced by these stories, Drupada consented to the marriage.

Analyse the role of the seer Vyasa in the Mahabharat.

Options

• Vyasa was a seer, composer, and farsighted rishi.

• Vyasa dictated Mahabharat to his disciple.

• Vyasa was the teacher of Kauravas.

• Vyasa inspired Draupadi for marriage.

Answer 1

Vyasa inspired Draupadi for marriage.

Explanation:

Vyasa went on to say that in another case, a young woman prayed to Shiva for a spouse and, in her fervor, prayed five times rather than once. This woman was now reborn as Draupadi, and Shiva had granted her wish. Drupada agreed to marry after being convinced by these stories.