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Who Were The Heaviest Drinkers In The Mahabharata?
The Pandavas, though known for following religious rules, are believed to have consumed alcohol occasionally, with Yudhishthira reportedly influenced during the gambling episode
Alcohol consumption is believed to have been common during the times of the Mahabharata, with popular accounts suggesting the Kauravas indulged heavily. Shakuni and Duryodhana are said to have been frequent drinkers, often plotting conspiracies under the influence. The Pandavas reportedly consumed alcohol in moderation, while Karna is also believed to have enjoyed drinking, according to various interpretations of the epic.
In the Mahabharata, alcohol (referred to as Sura) is frequently mentioned in the context of assemblies and drinking. During this period, it is believed that alcohol was prepared from rice, wheat, barley, or fruits. Popular accounts suggest that Mairey, a sweet and intoxicating drink made from honey and fruit juice, was widely consumed, as was Asava, made from grains or fruits. The use of Somras, a sacred drink from the Vedic period, is thought to have declined by the time of the Mahabharata.
Several incidents highlight the role of alcohol in the Mahabharata. It is believed that during Draupadi's swayamvar, alcohol was served. Popular accounts suggest that Shakuni and Duryodhana's drinking fueled their arrogance and cunning. Karna's fondness for alcohol is mentioned in his dialogues with Shalya. Shakuni, regarded as the heaviest drinker, is believed to have often given Duryodhana poor advice while intoxicated. He is said to have orchestrated the infamous dice game under the influence of alcohol, which led to Draupadi's disrobing. Duryodhana, also a drinker, is thought to have made arrogant decisions, including insulting Draupadi by calling her a 'maid."
It is believed that Karna, while intoxicated, revealed his intentions to kill Arjuna during a conversation with Shalya, who reportedly dismissed it as drunken bravado. In another account, a drunken Karna is said to have mocked Draupadi, claiming she was a slave lost by the Pandavas in gambling.
Did The Pandavas Drink Alcohol?
The Pandavas, generally known for adhering to religious rules, also reportedly consumed alcohol occasionally. It is believed that Yudhishthira, called Dharmaraj, was influenced by alcohol during the gambling episode, where he wagered everything.
In the Mahabharata's Sabhaparva, it is mentioned that Shakuni made Yudhishthira drink alcohol and ensnared him in gambling. Yudhishthira later reportedly admitted, 'Drinking alcohol and gambling are both destructive for a human being."
Bhima enjoyed food and wine; he drank wine after killing Keechaka and, in some versions, before slaying the demon Bakasur. There is no direct mention of Arjuna drinking, though it has been reported that he was offered wine in Madra Desh, which he refused.
Vidur Niti in the Mahabharata describes drinking as adharma. In the Puranas, the Pandavas are depicted as abstinent.
Liquor Served Even During Rajasuya Yagna
During the Rajasuya Yagna, it is believed that the Pandavas organized a grand feast where liquor was also served. Popular belief holds that Shishupal, who became more aggressive after drinking, was beheaded by Krishna during this event.
During the Rajasuya Yagna (Sabhaparva, Chapters 33-40), it is believed that Kshatriya kings were served sura and maireya in abundance. Popular belief holds that kings like Shishupal received special wine, while sura was also given to the general public in controlled quantities.
Keechak, the powerful commander of Matsya, is believed to have been fond of alcohol. Popular accounts say he teased Draupadi (disguised as Sairandhri) while inebriated, leading Bhima to kill him.
Did Women In The Mahabharata Drink Alcohol?
There is no direct mention of women drinking alcohol in the Mahabharata. In Sabhaparva, Draupadi is said to have been called to the gathering where the Kauravas drank alcohol, but there is no record of her drinking. Women reportedly participated in major events like the Rajasuya Yagna, but serving alcohol was believed to have been limited to Kshatriya men.
The Mahabharata also mentions Apsaras, such as Urvashi and Menaka, consuming wine, but these were divine women, not ordinary humans. Some Puranas, like the Devi Bhagavata Purana, are believed to note that wives of sages drank Somras, an intoxicating drink, though this dates back to the Vedic period rather than the Mahabharata era.
In Shanti Parva (Chapter 167), Bhishma is believed to have told Yudhishthira that women drinking alcohol was considered inauspicious. Kautilya's Arthashastra is believed to mention that prostitutes could drink wine, but it was forbidden for ordinary housewives. Greek historian Megasthenes, in his work Indica (Vol. 10), also observed that Indian women did not drink sura, according to popular belief.
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