Perhaps, one of the earliest cases of gaslighting comes from an incidence in the Mahabharata.
(Thread)
(Thread)
We all know the story of how Duryodhana was embarrassed in the “Mayasabha”, where he confused a pool for the floor & vice versa.
The story goes that Draupadi insulted him with a jibe, “A blind man’s son is ought to be blind”.
This insult was an inflection point in some ways.
The story goes that Draupadi insulted him with a jibe, “A blind man’s son is ought to be blind”.
This insult was an inflection point in some ways.
But the Critical Edition of Mahabharata doesn’t mention this incidence (which by extension means most ancient manuscripts as well).
What it does however mention is that Duryodhana went to Dhritarashtra, and complained that he was insulted by Draupadi and even Krishna.
What it does however mention is that Duryodhana went to Dhritarashtra, and complained that he was insulted by Draupadi and even Krishna.
It’s fascinating that Duryodhana's lie has survived in the public memory and the popular narrative, where as the true account remains obscure.
The online course on Mahabharata that begins on July 1 will debunk such narratives, and focus on the true account that the Critical Edition has captured after 48 years of efforts.
Following thread explains the Critical Edition in greater detail.
Following thread explains the Critical Edition in greater detail.
https://twitter.com/BhandarkarI/status/1399659514866016257
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