Topic summary
Duhshasana

Duhshasana (Sanskrit: दुःशासन, romanized: Duḥśāsana, lit.'hard to rule') or Dushshasana (Sanskrit: दुश्शासन, romanized: Duśśāsana) is a prominent character in the ancient Hindu epicMahabharata. He is the second eldest of the hundred Kaurava brothers, born to King Dhritarashtra and Queen Gandhari of the Kuru dynasty. As the younger brother and close confidant of Duryodhana, the chief antagonist of the epic, Duhshasana plays a significant role in many key events leading up to and during the Kurukshetra War.
Duhshasana is best known for his active involvement in the humiliation of Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, during the infamous dice game episode, where he dragged her in the royal court and unsuccessfully attempted to disrobe her. His actions earn him the wrath of Draupadi and the Pandavas, particularly Bhima, who vows to kill Duhshasana—a vow that is ultimately fulfilled during the war by tearing apart his chest.