The Cattle Raid
“A cunning plan divides a kingdom. When the king is away, the enemy strikes.”
Story Summary
Duryodhana, suspecting the Pandavas might be hiding in Virata's kingdom, devises a cunning dual attack strategy. King Susharman of Trigarta attacks from the north, stealing cattle and drawing King Virata's army away. While the kingdom is left vulnerable, Duryodhana leads the Kauravas in a coordinated attack from the south, stealing a massive herd. Prince Uttara, unaware of his father's absence, boasts that he will single-handedly defeat the Kauravas. But when he sees the reality of the massive Kaurava army, terror replaces his bravado. Brihannala, the eunuch dance teacher, offers to be his charioteer, and together they prepare to face the enemy. The stage is set for the moment when disguises must be dropped and true identities revealed.