Kingly Speech in the Mahābhārata.

Abstract

<p>The thesis examines the speech of Yudhiṣṭhira and questions his status as King Dhanna and a speaker of truth. I argue that Yudhiṣṭhira has the same ability with speech as an inspired brahmin. Through an exploration of inspired brahminical speech in the Mahābhārata, I argue that brahmins have a special relationship to truth. I also present evidence that the sign of a truthful and inspired speaker is his or her eloquence: an eloquent speaker is considered to be a truthful speaker in the Mahābhārata. Yudhiṣṭhira has eloquent speech and this leads characters in the Epic to assume that he is truthful. There is, however, evidence that questions his apparent allegiance to the truth, especially if Yudhiṣṭhira's use of speech is examined.</p> <p>The thesis, with its focus on speech, presents a unique way to read the Epic and evaluate kingship. An examination of speech and kingship in the Epic is one that is largely overlooked by scholars. The thesis demonstrates that a reading of Yudhiṣṭhira which examines his ability and use of speech uncovers a more complex characterization of the king and points towards his use of deceit well before the beginning of the Mahabharata war. The thesis also demonstrates that a portion of the Epic encourages a close examination of the speech of kings, especially Yudhiṣṭhira's speech. The thesis argues that through the Mahabharata' s presentation of speech the Epic subtly encourages the use of deceit and guises by kings to attain their worldly ends.</p>