Shloka 17
धृतराष्ट्रस्य क्रतु-प्रवर्तनम् तथा पाण्डवानां निमन्त्रण-प्रतिवचनम्
Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Sacrifice Commences and the Pandavas’ Reply to the Invitation
अथ दुर्योधनो राजा शकुनिश्चापि सौबल:
atha duryodhano rājā śakuniś cāpi saubalaḥ
Then King Duryodhana, along with Śakuni of the Saubala line, proceeded—signaling the next turn in the narrative where their counsel and intentions begin to shape events with calculated purpose.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse functions as a narrative hinge: when figures like Duryodhana and Śakuni enter together, it foregrounds how leadership can be steered by counsel—often toward adharma when driven by resentment, calculation, and self-interest.
Vaiśampāyana introduces the next action by stating that Duryodhana the king and Śakuni (Saubala) are now involved, preparing the listener for their ensuing decisions, plans, or dialogue that will influence the unfolding events.