Overview of Aryavart in these 12 years:-



The entire Aryavart fell under the jurisdiction of Indraprastha following the completion of the Rajsuya Yagna, conducted with the blessings of Shri Krishna. Despite Karna and Advika assuming the roles of Samrat and Samragyi of Aryavart, familial dynamics remained unchanged. The sole modification was Kunti relocating to reside with her sons and daughters-in-law.

A significant shift occurred in the political landscape of Aryavart due to the liberal perspectives held by both Karna and Advika. The governance of the entire Aryavart was collaboratively managed by the six brothers. Karna oversaw Indraprastha, Yuddhisthir managed the northern Kingdoms, Bhima governed the western regions, Arjun handled the eastern Kingdoms, Nakul took charge of the southern domains, and Sahadev dealt with the allied Kingdoms of Indraprastha. Each brother governed a portion of the vast empire, recognizing the impracticality of Karna handling everything alone. They all served as viceroys or representatives of Indraprastha. In the council, they functioned as representatives of the respective Kingdoms under their purview. For instance, Yuddhisthir represented the Northern Kingdoms within the council, and so forth.

Various significant events unfolded in Indraprastha that resonated throughout Aryavart, evoking both outrage and awe. For instance, Advika held not only the position of Samragyi but also served as the Mahamahim of the Indraprastha council. Her opinions and political insights were highly sought after within the council, with her husband and brothers regularly seeking her advice on political and kingdom-related matters. The Mahamahim(s) from various kingdoms approached Advika for assistance, and her brothers-in-law conveyed their messages to her.

Devanshi assumed the role of the women's representative in the council, overseeing all affairs related to women. Many found the calm, polite, yet fiercely determined Yuvrani of Indraprastha more approachable than their Samragyi, as Advika symbolized power and empress-like authority. Devanshi acted as a channel for justice for the women in the empire; those facing injustices could contact her, and she would bring the matter before the council for judgment.

Vandita took charge of agriculture within the council, ensuring that all citizens had an abundance of food and water. After consulting with Advika and Krishna, she implemented various systems and fail-safes to protect food crops and vegetables from pests or natural calamities. In times of drought or food shortages within the empire, Vandita's responsibility was to ensure the timely delivery of food grains to affected kingdoms. Additionally, during wartime, she oversaw the collection of food grains for the armies and their proper storage.

Draupadi assumed the role of treasurer in the council, managing both family and kingdom finances. All financial matters were under her purview. Draupadi played a crucial role in regulating the power of moneylenders, subjecting them to the laws of the kingdom regarding finance. She also ensured that no one was cheated out of their money by moneylenders, reviewed the financial statements of the empire, and worked to ensure the thriving of the economy.

Kalyani served as the spokesperson for the traders within the council, overseeing trade and commerce, and managing businessmen under her jurisdiction. Known for her exceptional negotiation skills, she effortlessly created win-win situations, orchestrating financial transactions that filled the treasuries of both the Kingdom and the empire, as well as the family's personal treasury. Kalyani organized trade fairs where all kingdoms participated, contributing to their economic prosperity.

Vritika, well-versed in various laws and scriptures, collaborated with Karna and Advika to formulate laws for both the empire and the Kingdom. She specialized in dealing with lawmakers and laws related to criminals or petty thieves, ensuring that no outdated laws persisted within the Kingdom or the empire. Vritika held the vital role of being the law advisor in the council.

Given that Yuddhisthir, Bhima, Arjun, Nakul, and Sahadev were involved in managing various parts of the empire, Karna entrusted them with no responsibilities related to Indraprastha. Karna and Advika, along with the assistance of the girls, handled most of the Kingdom's work. They delegated tasks to trustworthy courtiers who faithfully followed their orders, allowing everyone to spend quality time with their families.

The brothers primarily focused on managing the vast and well-trained army of Indraprastha. Without fail, all six brothers diligently undertook the task of training the entire army, creating a formidable defense for the Kingdom. While Arjun held the position of commander-in-chief, each brother actively participated in the army's training. Under the guidance of the brothers, this army had successfully conquered the entire Aryavart to establish the empire under Indraprastha. It was noteworthy that, contrary to the usual practice where the one performing the Rajsuya Yagna does not accompany the army across the country, Karna had actively participated alongside his five brothers.

The responsibility for the security and welfare of the entire Kingdom was entrusted to Advika, Devanshi, Vandita, Draupadi, Kalyani, and Vritika. Any attempts by other Kingdoms to exploit the perceived weakness of Indraprastha, with its male population and army away, were decisively thwarted by the formidable female defenders. This success led to the creation of the first female army in Aryavart, proving to be a significant achievement.

These progressive changes in the role of females resonated positively with Kingdoms that did not differentiate between genders and had female rulers. Examples included Manipura, ruled by Chitravahana's daughter Chitrangada, Nagarajya, where Queen Uloopi succeeded her father, Ujjaini, ruled by Queen Shailaja, and Kamakhya, governed by Queen Hidimba. However, Kingdoms like Gandhar under Shakuni, Hastinapur under Duryodhan, and Sindhrajya under Jayadratha, though displeased, were unable to voice objections against the ruling council.

Neutral Kingdoms respected the decisions of the Indraprastha council. Witnessing the success of these decisions and the flourishing economy and state of Indraprastha under capable women and men, these Kingdoms also decided to incorporate women into various roles.

Ultimately, some Kingdoms maintained their traditional views, while others embraced change and achieved new heights of success. The changing times witnessed a spectrum of responses, from stubborn resistance to dynamic adaptation and growth.

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Hastinapur:

In Hastinapur, the past 12 years had been mostly peaceful.

Mahamahim Bhishma, also known as Gangaputra, rejoiced in the success of his six nephews who had conquered the entire Aryavart. He was pleased to observe that indirectly, Hastinapur was led by Dharma under the guidance of the Samrat. Bhishma found satisfaction in discovering that Duryodhana was a just and law-abiding king, despite his flaws such as greed and a lust for power. Although Duryodhana had his downfalls, he possessed some commendable qualities. Bhishma frequently visited his six nephews in Indraprastha, even spending several months there. Upon learning about Advika's creation of a female army and the defense of Indraprastha by the Kulavadus, he felt his chest expand with immense pride. Of course, he immediately went to see them, only to find everything under control. The highlight of that day was the shocked and pale faces of Dhritarashtra, Duryodhana, and Shakuni. Overall, Bhishma was pleased and happy.

Dhritarashtra, the former King of Hastinapur and the current King Father, basked in a state of bliss and happiness. With numerous grandchildren to spoil, happily married sons, and his eldest being a good King, he felt content. What more could he ask for? However, when he heard about the Rajsuya Yagna being performed, he harbored concerns. Advising his son to accept, Duryodhana eventually agreed after much coercion from both Tatshree Bhishma, Bhanumati, and Gandhari. Upon learning about the new reforms introduced by his nephews, Dhritarashtra was initially shocked and skeptical. However, witnessing their success, he chose to let the matter be. Why waste energy when times were changing? Despite a slight tinge of jealousy over his nephews' success, he acknowledged there was little he could do about it.

Duryodhana, the current King of Hastinapur, felt content yet disturbed. He had a settled life with a wife, Bhanumati, a son, Lakshaman, and a daughter, Lakshmanaa. He loved his family, brothers, parents, and children. He considered himself as the rightful heir to the throne. His subjects were content, and there was no rebellion. Despite these positives, his jealousy and greed persisted, often overwhelming the cautious part of his mind. This irrationality was encouraged by his dearest Mamashree, Shakuni. The success of the Rajsuya Yagna had triggered his jealousy, as his kingdom was now under the rule of his own cousins. His greed intensified upon witnessing the divinity and wealth of Indraprastha. Duryodhana eagerly awaited the return of his Mamashree to Hastinapur. These two negative emotions could cause his own downfall, if he was not careful.

Shakuni, the King of Gandhar and the beloved Mamashree of Gandhari's son Duryodhana, harbored intense anger. His banishment from Hastinapur for 12 years, following his involvement in the Lakshagriha incident, resulted in a lack of influence in the lives of his grandnephew and grandniece. This situation was unacceptable to him, and he had desired to poison them as well, but the banishment prevented such actions. Shakuni had also instigated kingdoms to attack Indraprastha while the King and Princes were away, but this plan failed due to the unexpected strength of the females in Indraprastha.

Being a cunning and intelligent man, Shakuni believed himself to be unparalleled in mind games and politics. He considered Krishna as the only person who could potentially defeat him, and in this, he was not entirely wrong. However, individuals with such traits often possess an egoistic nature, leading them to underestimate those they perceive as weak. Shakuni had deemed Advika and the other females of Indraprastha as weak. Unless his life was threatened by their hands, he refused to acknowledge their strength and continued to underestimate them, regardless of evidence to the contrary.

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Dwarka:

In a beautiful garden, a gentle yet swift breeze swept through. The flowers danced to the divine notes of music that silently wafted through the air, spreading a calming enchantment to anyone who listened.

Slim, slender, and dark fingers gracefully played the notes of an internal flute. The flute, made of pure gold, was the medium for the divine song of the Lord himself. With closed eyes, Krishna swayed gently, immersed in the music he played. His face radiated the glow of the sun, and the calmness of the moon. His Pitambar vastra glowed against his skin, and his peacock feather swayed gently with the music.

"Kanha!"

His eyes opened slowly at the call of his name, and a soft and enchanting smile graced his lips. He slowly kept the flute away and stood to find Shri Balrama, the Mahamahim of Dwarka and the elder brother of Krishna, standing in front of him.

"Kahiye dau!" said Shri Krishna, lovingly called Kanha by his elder brother and his twin sister Mayuri. He was the avatar of the Preserver of the Universe, Lord Vishnu himself.

Balrama smiled fondly before his brows furrowed. "Kanha, why are you here? You were supposed to be in the court!" he said, confused.

"I know dau. But I wished to take advantage of the peace that is prevailing! Because, a storm is coming dau...and very soon."

"A storm! What problem will come now?" said a worried Balrama.

Krishna smiled before walking slowly beside his brother, contemplating how to frame his answer. "I know what can happen, what had happened...but I have no idea of what will happen! When destiny had messed with the threads of fates itself, then she had left everything on the child she had chosen!" said Kanha.

"What do you mean?" asked a confused Dau.

"Tell me dau, in chess which is the most important piece, after the King?" asked Kanha, suddenly changing the entire direction of their conversation.

"The queen!" answered a very confused dau.

"And in this life game of chess, the Queen is the Niyatinandini herself!" said Kanha with a smile.

"I don't understand! Say bluntly! What do you mean?" asked Balrama.

Krishna laughed. "Dau, when the times come, you will understand yourself! You go...I will come soon."

Balrama nodded, feeling confused. "The trials are over, now the actual game will begin! I hope you are ready to be the queen you are Mayuri!!" whispered Kanha, looking up to the sky.