Pandu, the son of the Kuru dynasty, underwent rigorous training in all the martial sciences. He mastered the art of archery, horseback riding, mace combat, sword and shield, and the training of elephants, as well as the use of various weapons. When Pandu had thoroughly learned these disciplines—especially those relating to wealth and righteousness—he was appointed commander of the army. Pandu, renowned for his valor and skill with the bow, excelled beyond all other men. Dhritarashtra, the king, was unmatched in strength. Even as a boy, Vidura, famous for his virtue, was appointed by Bhishma to be the chief adviser in all matters of dharma for the king. Vidura, wise and accomplished, understood the true essence of all the scriptures, and through both reasoning and tradition, he comprehended the entire world. In all the three worlds, there was none equal to Vidura; ever devoted to righteousness, he attained the highest dharma. With the line of Shantanu restored after its near extinction, word spread throughout the kingdoms of this great revival. Bhishma, son of the Kashi princess, stood foremost among the knowers of dharma and was revered as the ancient Gajasahvaya of the Kurujangala region. Yet, because Dhritarashtra was blind, he did not accept the throne, and as Vidura was born to a serving woman, Pandu was crowned king. At that time, the son of Sagara heard from Brahmins about the beautiful and youthful daughter of King Kuntibhoja. He also learned of the virtuous daughter of Subala, king of Gandhara, and of the daughter of the king of Madra, whose beauty was unrivaled on earth. Once, Bhishma—the master of statecraft—spoke to Vidura, the knower of dharma’s essence, saying: “Our lineage, rich in virtues, is famed and has enjoyed sovereignty over other kings. Righteous, great-souled kings protected our line in the past, and it has never declined. Through my efforts, through Satyavati, and through the noble Krishna, the family line has been reestablished among you. This lineage, like the ocean, continues to grow; so, we must act to ensure its increase. It is said there are maidens of the Yadava line, as well as the daughters of Subala and the king of Madra, who would be suitable brides for our family. All these maidens, noble by birth and beauty, are worthy of alliance with us. I believe we should choose these for the continuation of our lineage, unless you, Vidura, see otherwise. You are our father, our mother, our supreme teacher; therefore, consider what is best for this family and do it.” Around this time, Bhishma heard from the Brahmins of Gandhari, the daughter of Subala, who, after worshipping the boon-giving god Hara—the destroyer of Bhaga’s eye—received a blessing: she would have a hundred sons. Bhishma, grandsire of the Kurus, accepted this as truth and sent a message to the king of Gandhara. In Subala’s house, they deliberated over Dhritarashtra’s blindness. After careful consideration of family, reputation, and conduct, Subala gave his righteous daughter Gandhari to Dhritarashtra. When Gandhari learned that Dhritarashtra was blind, and that her parents had chosen him as her husband, she took a cloth, folded it many times, and bound her own eyes, declaring her resolve: “I will not surpass my husband.” Soon after, her brother Shakuni arrived, and, bringing his sister—adorned in supreme beauty—to the Kauravas, gave her to Dhritarashtra with great honor. With Bhishma’s approval, the marriage was performed. After giving his sister and proper gifts, Shakuni returned to his city, honored by Bhishma. Gandhari, of noble form, pleased all the Kurus by her conduct and virtues. Upon seeing her wise husband, she was at first fearful because of his affliction and pondered over it. By renouncing her own sight, she made herself equal to her husband, never seeking to excel him in any way. Devoted to her husband, she pleased all the elders with her conduct and, being steadfast in her vows, never spoke of other men. King Subala of Gandhara, with Bhishma’s consent, gave ten more of Gandhari’s sisters to the Kurus. These included Satyavrata, Satyasena, Sudeṣṇā, Saṃhitā, Tejaśrva, Suśrava, Nikṛti the auspicious, Śaṃbhvaṭhā, Daśārṇā, and ten renowned Gandharan maidens; Dhritarashtra accepted them all in a single day. Then Bhishma, son of Shantanu, gave a hundred royal maidens to Dhritarashtra as well. Meanwhile, among the Yadus, there was a chief named Shura, who became the father of Vasudeva. His daughter, Pritha—unrivaled in beauty—was promised by Shura to his childless cousin, Kuntibhoja, as a solemn vow. True to his word, Shura gave the maiden to his noble friend Kuntibhoja, who sought her favor, thus strengthening their bond of friendship.