Duryodhana, a central character in the Hindu epic Mahabharata, belonged to the Kuru dynasty. Duryodhana was part of the broader Kuru family, which included his cousins, the Pandavas (sons of Pandu), and other relatives. The rivalry between the Kauravas and the Pandavas forms the central conflict of the Mahabharata.
Father – Dhritarashtra
Dhritarashtra was the king of Hastinapura and the father of Duryodhana. He was born blind, and his inability to inherit the throne due to his blindness led to a complex family dynamic and succession issues.
Mother – Gandhari
Gandhari was the queen of Dhritarashtra and the mother of Duryodhana. She chose to blindfold herself for life, following her husband’s blindness, as an act of solidarity. Gandhari’s devotion to her husband and sons, including Duryodhana, played a significant role in the Mahabharata.
Paternal Grandfather – Vichitravirya
Vichitravirya was the father of Dhritarashtra and Pandu. After his death, his two widows, Ambika and Ambalika, gave birth to Dhritarashtra and Pandu through the sage Vyasa’s assistance.
Maternal Grandparents – Subala and Sudharma
Subala was the king of Gandhara, and Sudharma was his wife. Gandhari, Duryodhana’s mother, belonged to this royal family.
Wife (Wives)
Duryodhana had multiple wives. Among them, Bhanumati is the most commonly mentioned in the Mahabharata. Duryodhana’s marital life is less extensively detailed in the epic than in some other characters.
Son
Duryodhana had a son named Laxman Kumara, who participated in the Kurukshetra War. However, Laxman Kumara met his demise during the conflict.
Daughter
The Mahabharata does not explicitly mention Duryodhana having a daughter.
Duryodhana’s life was marked by ambition, rivalry with the Pandavas, and eventual conflict leading to the Kurukshetra War, where he played a significant role as a pivotal antagonist.