The Mouse Merchant: Money in Ancient India by Arshia Sattar

Author:Arshia Sattar [Sattar, Arshia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780670085064
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Published: 2013-11-14T20:00:00+00:00

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Shakuni said, ‘You have lost much of the Pandavas’ wealth, Yudhishthira. Now tell me, son of Kunti, what wealth do you have that you have not already lost?’

Yudhishthira said, ‘Son of Subala, I know that I have uncountable riches. But tell me, Shakuni, why do you ask about my wealth? Millions and billions and trillions, as many as there are drops in the ocean—that’s how much I can stake. This is my stake, King, I play you for it!’

Vaishampayana said, hearing that, Shakuni resorted to a crooked throw and shouted, ‘Won!’ at Yudhishthira.

Yudhishthira said, ‘I have innumerable sheep, cows, cattle, horses and goats, all that belongs to our people east of the river Sindhu. This is my stake, King, I play you for it!’

Vaishampayana said, hearing that, Shakuni resorted to a crooked throw and shouted, ‘Won!’ at Yudhishthira.

Yudhishthira said, ‘My city, my country, the wealth of my people, excluding the brahmins—that is wealth I have left. This is my stake, King, I play you for it!’

Vaishampayana said, hearing that, Shakuni resorted to a crooked throw and shouted, ‘Won!’ at Yudhishthira.

Yudhishthira said, ‘These ornaments with which the princes shine, the earrings and breastplates, and all that decorates their bodies. This is my stake, King, I play you for it!’

Vaishampayana said, hearing this, Shakuni resorted to a crooked throw and shouted, ‘Won!’ at Yudhishthira.

Yudhishthira said, ‘This dark youth with coppery eyes, with mighty arms and with shoulders like a lion; this Nakula and all he owns shall be one throw for me!’

Shakuni said, ‘King Yudhishthira, Prince Nakula is dear to you. If we win him, what will you play with?’ And having said that, Shakuni rolled the dice and shouted, ‘Won!’ at Yudhishthira.

Yudhishthira said, ‘This Sahadeva, who teaches dharma and is famous in the world as a learned man—for this beloved prince who does not deserve it, I play you. Like an enemy!’

Vaishampayana said, hearing this, Shakuni resorted to a crooked throw and shouted, ‘Won!’ at Yudhishthira.

Shakuni said, ‘I have won the twins, the beloved sons of Madri. I imagine that you must love Bhima and Arjuna more!’

Yudhishthira said, ‘Surely you walk the path of adharma and do not consider what is appropriate. Fool, you want to pluck us like flowers!’

Shakuni said, ‘A drunk man falls into a hole, a bewildered man walks into a tree trunk. You are our elder and better, prince. I honour you, bull of the Bharatas! Yudhishthira, gamblers blather like madmen when they play, talking of things they have seen neither in their dreams nor while awake!’

Yudhishthira said, ‘Like a boat, he has carried us through battle, this conqueror of enemies. For this hero of the world who does not deserve it, this Phalguna Arjuna, I play you, Shakuni!’

Vaishampayana said, hearing this, Shakuni resorted to a crooked throw and shouted, ‘Won!’ at Yudhishthira.

Shakuni said, ‘I have won the Pandavas’ anchor, Pandu’s left-handed son! Play for your beloved Bhimasena, King, for that is all you have left to gamble, Pandava!’

Yudhishthira said, ‘He who led and guided us through

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