In the kingdom of the Kurus, prosperity flourished everywhere. Wells, gardens, assembly halls, ponds, and the dwellings of Brahmins were filled with abundance and festivity, their joy never waning. With Bhishma, the revered guardian, protecting all sides in accordance with dharma, the land became radiant, adorned with hundreds of shrines and sacrificial posts. Under his wise rule, the realm surpassed all others, growing ever stronger, and the wheel of righteousness was set in motion. The princes, great-souled and noble, fulfilled their duties diligently, inspiring the citizens and countryside folk to become exceedingly eager in their own responsibilities. In the homes of the chief Kurus and throughout the towns, the words “Give” and “Enjoy” echoed everywhere, reflecting generosity and happiness. Bhishma cared for Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and the wise Vidura from birth, as though they were his own sons. He guided them through ceremonies, vows, and study, encouraging exertion and exercise until they reached their youth. They mastered archery, the Vedas, combat with mace, sword and shield, elephant training, and the treatises on polity. In histories, ancient tales, and various sciences they were instructed; having grasped the essence of the Vedas and their branches, they became resolute in all matters. King Dhritarashtra of the Kauravas, devoted to Vedic study and accomplished in the science of polity, was anointed by Bhishma. Dhritarashtra was thoroughly trained in archery, horseback riding, mace combat, sword and shield, elephant training, and 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, surpassed other men, and Dhritarashtra, the king, was stronger than the rest. Though still a boy, Vidura, renowned for his virtue, was made by Bhishma the chief adviser in all matters of dharma for the king. Vidura, skilled in intellect, wisdom, and learning, knew the true essence of all the scriptures, and comprehended the entire world through reasoning and tradition. In the three worlds, none equaled Vidura; ever devoted to righteousness, he attained the highest dharma. Seeing the line of Shantanu restored after its destruction, a saying spread throughout all the kingdoms. Bhishma, son of the Kashi princess, was acknowledged as the foremost among the knowers of dharma and the ancient Gajasahvaya of the Kurujangala region. Because Dhritarashtra was blind, he did not accept the kingdom; and since Vidura was born of a serving woman, Pandu became king. At this time, the son of Sagara learned from the Brahmins about the daughter of King Kuntibhoja, endowed with beauty and youth, and also about the virtuous daughter of Subala, king of Gandhara, and the daughter of the king of Madra, unrivaled in beauty on earth. Once, Bhishma, foremost among those skilled in statecraft, spoke fitting words to Vidura, knower of the essence of dharma: “Our lineage, endowed with virtues, is well-known; it has enjoyed sovereignty on earth above other kings. Protected in the past by righteous and great-souled kings, our line has never declined at any time. By me, by Satyavati, and by the great-souled Krishna, the family line has again been established among you. This lineage, like the ocean, is growing further; so must I and you, without doubt, act to ensure its increase. It is heard that there are maidens of the Yadava line, suitable for our family, as well as the daughters of Subala and the king of Madra. All these maidens, my son, are of noble birth and beauty, and are suitable for alliance with us, O best of Kshatriyas. I think these should be chosen, O best of the wise, for the continuation of this lineage, unless you, Vidura, think otherwise. You are our father, you are our mother, you are our supreme teacher; therefore, consider yourself what is best for this family and do it.” Then Bhishma heard from the Brahmins about Gandhari, the daughter of Subala, who, after worshipping the boon-giving god Hara, the destroyer of Bhaga’s eye, had received a blessing. It was said that Gandhari, the auspicious one, had obtained the boon of a hundred sons; Bhishma, the grandsire of the Kurus, learned this as the truth. He sent a message to the king of Gandhara, and there was deliberation in Subala’s house regarding the matter of Dhritarashtra’s blindness. Having examined the family, reputation, and conduct with discernment, Subala gave Gandhari, who followed righteousness, to Dhritarashtra. Gandhari then learned that Dhritarashtra was blind, and that her father and mother had chosen her for him. Taking a cloth and making it many-fold, the devoted wife bound her own eyes, declaring her resolve not to surpass her husband. At that time, her brother Shakuni, son of the king of Gandhara, arrived. He took his sister, adorned with supreme beauty, to the Kauravas, and gave her to Dhritarashtra with great honor. With Bhishma’s approval, the marriage was performed. Having given his sister and proper gifts, Shakuni returned to his own city, honored by Bhishma. Gandhari, of noble form, by her conduct and virtues, brought satisfaction to all the Kurus, O Bharata.