SHAKUNI’S GAMBIT: THE PSYCHOLOGY OF MANIPULATION AND REVENGE IN THE MAHABHARATA

सार

Abstract: The themes of ethics, strategy, and human behavior are intricately woven into the Mahabharata, one of the greatest epics of ancient India. At the center of this narrative is Shakuni, a complex character whose actions catalyzed significant events, including the downfall of the Kuru dynasty. This paper explores Shakuni's psychological motivations, based on personal vengeance and his mastery of manipulation, as he plans the infamous dice game and exploits familial foibles. By examining his role through the lens of psychological theory and classical Indian ethics, the study delves into the dynamics of his relationship with the Kauravas, his strategic use of cognitive biases, and his embodiment of the archetype of the cunning trickster. Shakuni's machinations not only reveal the destructive potential of unchecked resentment, but also serve as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of manipulation and revenge. Finally, this analysis places Shakuni within the broader moral framework of the Mahabharata, and questions whether his actions were simply a result of circumstance, or a deliberate act of chaos in the pursuit of retributive justice.