In those days, the earth flourished in abundance. The crops grew bountifully, their grains ripening to fullness. Rain fell in its proper season, and the trees, refreshed, burst into a profusion of flowers and fruits. Everywhere, joy prevailed: even the vehicles seemed cheerful, while wild animals and birds delighted in the thriving world around them. Garlands filled the air with fragrance, and the fruits were sweet and flavorful. Within the cities, merchants and artisans bustled about, their livelihoods thriving. Heroes, scholars, and the virtuous found happiness in their pursuits. Crime was unknown; no robbers disturbed the peace, nor did anyone turn to unrighteousness. Even in the farthest reaches of the kingdom, a golden age prevailed. People devoted themselves to righteous acts, performing sacrifices, upholding truth, and living in unity and mutual affection. Free from pride, anger, and greed, they rejoiced in one another’s company, and the highest standards of righteousness guided their lives. The city itself shone with splendor, vast and populous like a great ocean. Gates, arches, and grand exits adorned it, rising like banks of clouds. Hundreds of palaces crowded its streets, rivaling the city of Indra in their magnificence. The people, full of joy, reveled in the rivers, forest lands, ponds, marshes, and beautiful groves surrounding their home. Both the southern and northern Kurus moved about in friendly rivalry, resembling the divine sages and celestial beings in their harmony. In this delightful land, made populous by the Kurus, no one was destitute, and not a single woman was widowed. The kingdom overflowed with prosperity: wells, gardens, assembly halls, ponds, and Brahmin dwellings were ever festive. Bhishma, upholding dharma, protected the land on all sides, and the country blossomed, marked by hundreds of shrines and sacrificial posts. Under his wise rule, the realm surpassed all others in strength, and the wheel of righteousness turned unceasingly. The great-souled princes diligently performed their duties, inspiring both city dwellers and country folk to great eagerness. In every home, whether of the chief Kurus or the townspeople, the words “Give” and “Enjoy” resounded, reflecting a spirit of generosity and joy. Bhishma cared for Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and the wise Vidura from birth, tending to them as if they were his own sons. He guided them through sacred ceremonies, vows, and studies, encouraging them in exertion and exercise until they reached the vigor of youth. They mastered archery, the Vedas, mace and sword combat, the arts of shield and elephant training, and the treatises of statecraft. Their education included histories, ancient tales, and various sciences. Well-versed in the essence of the Vedas and their branches, they displayed steadfast resolve in all matters. Devoted to Vedic study and accomplished in the science of polity, Dhritarashtra was anointed king of the Kauravas by Bhishma. He received thorough training in archery, horseback riding, mace fighting, sword and shield, elephant training, and the use of various weapons. When Pandu had mastered the sciences, especially those concerning wealth and righteousness, he was appointed commander of the army. Pandu, valiant with the bow, outshone other men, while King Dhritarashtra was renowned for his strength. Though still a boy, Vidura’s virtue was so well known that Bhishma made him the chief adviser to the king in all matters of dharma. Vidura, a youth of keen intellect, wisdom, and learning, grasped the true meaning of all scriptures and comprehended the world through reason and tradition. In the three worlds, there was none equal to Vidura; ever devoted to righteousness, he attained the highest dharma. When the line of Shantanu was restored after its near destruction, word of this spread throughout all the kingdoms. Bhishma, son of the Kashi princess and foremost among those learned in dharma, was honored as the ancient Gajasahvaya of the Kurujangala region. Yet, because Dhritarashtra was blind, he declined the throne, and since Vidura was born of a serving woman, Pandu was made king. Around this time, the son of Sagara learned from Brahmins about the beautiful and youthful daughter of King Kuntibhoja, as well as the virtuous daughter of Subala, king of Gandhara, and the daughter of the king of Madra, famed for her unrivaled beauty. Once, Bhishma, master of statecraft, addressed Vidura, the knower of dharma, with words both fitting and thoughtful. He said, “Our lineage, adorned with virtues, is renowned, having enjoyed sovereignty over the earth above all other kings. Protected in ages past by righteous and great-souled monarchs, our family has never faltered. By my efforts, by Satyavati’s, and by the great-souled Krishna’s, the family line has been reestablished among you. Like the ocean, this lineage continues to grow, and it is our duty—yours and mine—to ensure its increase. “It is said that there are maidens of the Yadava line, as well as the daughters of Subala and the king of Madra—each noble in birth and beauty, and suitable as allies for our family. I believe these should be chosen for the continuation of our lineage, unless you, Vidura, think otherwise. “You are our father, our mother, our supreme teacher. Therefore, consider what is best for this family, and act accordingly.” Thus, in an age blessed with righteousness, unity, and prosperity, the Kuru dynasty flourished under the wise guidance of Bhishma, with the next generation prepared to lead and preserve the noble lineage.