batch.motif.hindu-mahabharata-dutt-gutenberg-l889-l1036
---
record_id: batch.motif.hindu-mahabharata-dutt-gutenberg-l889-l1036
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
passage_locator:
label: BOOK I / ASTRA DARSANA / BOOK II / SWAYAMVARA; lines 889-1036
start: '889'
end: '1036'
translation: Maha-bharata
notes: Generated from OpenAI Batch run motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority;
human review required.
canonical_text:
quote: ''
summary: At Draupadi's swayamvara, many kings and princes fail to string Drupada's
bow and hit the target. Karna nearly completes the feat but is rejected by Draupadi
as a Suta's son. Arjun, disguised as a Brahman, comes forward, prays to Isana,
bends the bow, shoots through the disc, and brings down the target. Celestial
and public celebration follows; Draupadi garlands him and gives him the bridal
robe. The defeated suitors become angry and protest that the princess is being
wed to a Brahman.
language: English
quote_policy: summarized
literal_observations:
- id: obs:1
text: Celestial cars appear in the sky, and musical instruments sound before the
contest episode.
category: setting
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: obs:2
text: Suitors rise one by one to attempt the distant target, but the bow rebounds
and throws them down.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: obs:3
text: Karna strings the weapon and fixes arrows, but Draupadi states that she will
not wed a Suta's son; Karna leaves the attempt unfinished.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: obs:4
text: Sisupala, Jarasandha, and Salya each attempt the bow and fail.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: obs:5
text: Arjun comes from among the Brahmans in the guise of a priest.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: obs:6
text: Some Brahmans fear that the disguised youth will bring shame, while others
defend his strength and resolve.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: obs:7
text: Arjun circles the bow three times and silently prays to Isana before attempting
the feat.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: obs:8
text: Arjun bends the bow, sets shining darts, shoots through the disc, and strikes
the distant target, bringing it to the ground.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: obs:9
text: The successful shot is followed by applause, heavenly blossoms, heavenly music,
trumpets, and praise-songs.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: obs:10
text: Drupad recognizes the hero beneath the Brahman's mantle and seeks to protect
him from the defeated suitors' anger.
category: relationship
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: obs:11
text: Bhima stands by Arjun while Yudhishthir leaves with the twin younger brothers.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: obs:12
text: Draupadi smiles on Arjun, places a bridal garland on him, and gives him a
bridal robe.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: obs:13
text: The suitors angrily protest that Drupad is wedding the bride to a Brahman-born
priest.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
figures:
- id: fig:1
name_or_label: Draupadi / Drupad's daughter / Panchala's princess-bride
description: The princess whose marriage contest is taking place; she rejects Karna
and later garlands Arjun.
role_refs:
- role:1
- role:2
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:8
- id: fig:2
name_or_label: Arjun
description: Godlike son of Pritha, born of Indra, disguised as a Brahman priest;
he succeeds in the bow-and-target feat.
role_refs:
- role:3
- role:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- ev:6
- ev:8
- id: fig:3
name_or_label: Karna
description: Peerless archer who strings the weapon but abandons the attempt after
Draupadi refuses to wed a Suta's son.
role_refs:
- role:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: fig:4
name_or_label: Sisupala
description: Chedi's monarch; one of the kings who fails to bend the bow.
role_refs:
- role:6
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: fig:5
name_or_label: Jarasandha
description: Magadha's mighty chief; one of the kings who fails at the bow.
role_refs:
- role:6
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: fig:6
name_or_label: Salya
description: King of Madra; one of the kings who fails at the bow.
role_refs:
- role:6
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: fig:7
name_or_label: Suitors, kings, monarchs, and princes
description: A collective group of royal contestants who attempt the bow, fail,
and later become angry.
role_refs:
- role:6
- role:7
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:4
- ev:7
- ev:9
- id: fig:8
name_or_label: Brahmans
description: Spectators among whom Arjun is disguised; they debate his attempt and
cheer his success by shaking deerskins.
role_refs:
- role:8
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- ev:7
- id: fig:9
name_or_label: Drupad
description: Panchala's king and father of the bride; he recognizes Arjun beneath
the Brahman's mantle and seeks to protect him.
role_refs:
- role:9
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- ev:9
- id: fig:10
name_or_label: Bhima
description: Arjun's brother who stands by him as the suitors grow angry.
role_refs:
- role:10
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: fig:11
name_or_label: Yudhishthir
description: Peaceful, good brother who leaves with the twin-born youngest brothers.
role_refs:
- role:11
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: fig:12
name_or_label: Twin-born youngest brothers
description: Younger twin brothers who leave with Yudhishthir.
role_refs:
- role:11
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: fig:13
name_or_label: Isana
description: Lord of Gods to whom Arjun silently prays before attempting the bow.
role_refs:
- role:12
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
roles:
- id: role:1
label: choosing bride
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: Draupadi refuses Karna and later garlands Arjun after his success.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:8
- id: role:2
label: princess-bride
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: The passage identifies her as Panchala's bride and princess-bride.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:8
- id: role:3
label: disguised successful contestant
assigned_to:
- fig:2
basis: Arjun appears in the guise of a priest and succeeds in the feat.
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- ev:6
- id: role:4
label: winner of bride by skill
assigned_to:
- fig:2
basis: Arjun's shot strikes the target, after which he receives the garland and
wins the princess-bride.
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- ev:8
- id: role:5
label: rejected archer-contestant
assigned_to:
- fig:3
basis: Karna strings the weapon but withdraws after Draupadi rejects him as a Suta's
son.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: role:6
label: failed royal contestant
assigned_to:
- fig:4
- fig:5
- fig:6
- fig:7
basis: Royal suitors and named monarchs attempt the bow and fail.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:4
- id: role:7
label: angered defeated suitors
assigned_to:
- fig:7
basis: After Arjun's success, the chiefs mutter in rage and protest the marriage.
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- ev:9
- id: role:8
label: Brahman spectators and supporters
assigned_to:
- fig:8
basis: The Brahmans debate Arjun's attempt and celebrate his success.
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- ev:7
- id: role:9
label: father-host and protector
assigned_to:
- fig:9
basis: Drupad hosts the bride's contest and tries to save Arjun from the angered
suitors.
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- ev:9
- id: role:10
label: brotherly defender
assigned_to:
- fig:10
basis: Bhima stands by Arjun as the danger from the suitors gathers.
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: role:11
label: departing brothers
assigned_to:
- fig:11
- fig:12
basis: Yudhishthir leaves with the twin-born youngest brothers.
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: role:12
label: invoked deity
assigned_to:
- fig:13
basis: Arjun bends in silent prayer to Isana before taking up the bow.
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
symbols:
- id: sym:1
label: wondrous bow
literal_form: The tough bow of Drupad used in the contest.
associated_figures:
- fig:2
- fig:3
- fig:4
- fig:5
- fig:6
- fig:7
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:3
- ev:4
- ev:6
- id: sym:2
label: distant target and disc
literal_form: The distant target that must be hit by arrows passing through a disc.
associated_figures:
- fig:2
- fig:7
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:6
- id: sym:3
label: shining arrows or darts
literal_form: Arrows fixed by Karna and shining darts set by Arjun for the contest.
associated_figures:
- fig:2
- fig:3
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:6
- id: sym:4
label: bridal garland and bridal robe
literal_form: The garland placed on Arjun and the robe given by Draupadi after his
success.
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:2
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: sym:5
label: Brahman deerskins
literal_form: Deerskins shaken by the Brahmans in approval.
associated_figures:
- fig:8
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- ev:7
- id: sym:6
label: heavenly blossoms and music
literal_form: Blossoms descending and heavenly music sounding after Arjun's successful
shot.
associated_figures:
- fig:2
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
scenes:
- id: scene:1
label: Royal suitors fail the trial
summary: Kings and princes rise to attempt Drupad's bow and the distant target,
but the bow rebounds and throws them down.
figure_refs:
- fig:7
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
- sym:2
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: scene:2
label: Karna rejected by Draupadi
summary: Karna strings the bow and fixes arrows, but Draupadi refuses to wed a Suta's
son, and he withdraws.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:3
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
- sym:3
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: scene:3
label: Named monarchs fail
summary: Sisupala, Jarasandha, and Salya each attempt the bow and are defeated by
it.
figure_refs:
- fig:4
- fig:5
- fig:6
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: scene:4
label: Disguised Arjun comes forward
summary: Arjun appears from among the Brahmans in priestly guise, while the Brahmans
debate whether he can succeed.
figure_refs:
- fig:2
- fig:8
symbol_refs:
- sym:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: scene:5
label: Arjun's prayer and successful shot
summary: Arjun circles the bow, prays to Isana, bends the bow, shoots through the
disc, and brings down the target.
figure_refs:
- fig:2
- fig:13
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
- sym:2
- sym:3
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: scene:6
label: Celebration and bridal choice
summary: Applause, heavenly blossoms, and music follow the feat; Draupadi garlands
Arjun and gives him the bridal robe.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:8
symbol_refs:
- sym:4
- sym:6
- sym:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- ev:8
- id: scene:7
label: Rage of the defeated suitors
summary: Drupad tries to protect Arjun, Bhima stands by him, and the defeated suitors
protest the marriage.
figure_refs:
- fig:2
- fig:7
- fig:9
- fig:10
- fig:11
- fig:12
symbol_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- ev:9
candidate_motifs:
- id: motif:1
label: Bride won by trial of skill
taxonomy_refs:
- sacred_marriage
basis: The public contest requires suitors to bend Drupad's bow and hit the target;
Arjun succeeds and receives Draupadi's garland and bridal robe.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:6
- ev:8
confidence: medium
cautions: The passage presents a marriage contest, but it does not explicitly frame
the union as a cosmic or divine marriage; the taxonomy reference is approximate.
- id: motif:2
label: Disguised hero surpasses kings
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: Arjun comes forward in Brahman guise and completes the feat that prominent
monarchs and warriors failed to complete.
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:5
- ev:6
confidence: high
cautions: The passage identifies the disguise and success clearly, but broader implications
beyond this episode are not inferred.
- id: motif:3
label: Rejected contestant withdraws from nearly completed feat
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: Karna strings the weapon and fixes the arrows, but after Draupadi refuses
to wed him, he leaves the undertaking unfinished.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
confidence: high
cautions: The passage gives the event, but no broader symbolic explanation is supplied.
- id: motif:4
label: Defeated suitors turn to anger after bride's choice
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: After Arjun wins, the defeated chiefs mutter in rage and later protest that
the bride is being given to a Brahman.
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- ev:9
confidence: high
cautions: The passage excerpt ends during the protest, so the outcome of the tumult
is not included.
comparison_claims: []
evidence:
- id: ev:1
type: summary
locator: lines 889-892
quote_or_summary: Celestial cars move in the cloudless sky, and drums, flutes, harps,
and tabors sound.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:2
type: summary
locator: lines 893-912
quote_or_summary: The suitors, including monarchs and princes, attempt the distant
target; the bow resists them and throws them down, leaving them humbled.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:3
type: summary
locator: lines 913-922
quote_or_summary: Karna strings the weapon and fixes arrows, but Draupadi declares
she will not wed a Suta's son; Karna leaves the attempt unfinished and gazes at
the Sun.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:4
type: summary
locator: lines 923-946
quote_or_summary: Sisupala, Jarasandha, and Salya each attempt the bow and fail;
whispers and laughter spread around the festive ground.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:5
type: summary
locator: lines 947-980
quote_or_summary: Arjun, son of Pritha, comes from the Brahman ranks disguised as
a priest. The Brahmans debate whether the youth will bring shame or achieve honor.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:6
type: summary
locator: lines 981-994
quote_or_summary: Arjun stands by the bow, circles it three times, silently prays
to Isana, bends Drupad's bow, sets shining darts, shoots through the disc, and
brings down the distant target.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:7
type: summary
locator: lines 995-1004
quote_or_summary: Joy, applause, heavenly blossoms, heavenly music, trumpets, and
praise-songs follow Arjun's deed, while irritated chiefs mutter in rage and grief.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:8
type: summary
locator: lines 1005-1016
quote_or_summary: Drupad recognizes the hero beneath the Brahman's mantle and seeks
to protect him. Yudhishthir leaves with the twins, Bhima stands by Arjun, and
Draupadi gives Arjun the bridal garland and robe.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:9
type: summary
locator: lines 1017-1036
quote_or_summary: The angered suitors speak like a storm-torn forest and protest
that the bride is being given to a Brahman-born priest.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/mahabharata-dutt.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
confidence:
extraction: high
motif_candidates: medium
comparison_claims: uncertain
notes: The main narrative actions and figures are explicit in the passage. Motif
labels are descriptive; the sacred_marriage taxonomy link is approximate because
the passage shows a formal marriage contest but does not explicitly state a cosmic
or divine marriage. No external comparison claims are made.
reviewer_status:
status: needs_review
reviewer: ''
reviewed_at: ''
notes: Machine-generated draft from OpenAI Batch; not human-reviewed.
extracted_by: openai_batch:gpt-5.5
extracted_at: '2026-04-28'
notes: |-
Used only the provided passage and metadata. Similes such as comparisons to Surya, Agni, Himalaya, lion, or tusker were not treated as literal figures or taxonomy symbol instances.
batch_run_id=motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority
custom_id=motif_extract:hindu-mahabharata-dutt-gutenberg__l889-l1036
passage_sha256=84e53df04f7df554337d43ea1b35b04dbc3f8828e2d10e9c9c4300a89b5f68cc