Draupadi approached the scale and awkwardly seated herself on one of the plates, sitting cross-legged. The scale dipped to the ground and remained there. Servants staggered in carrying heavy iron bars, and placed them around Draupadi. The guests looked on in surprise for this was not the usual form. More servants marched in and put down several heavy chests. The lids were thrown open. Predictable gasps were heard. A ripple of appreciation made its way round the throng of spectators. The chests were filled with treasures, though none quite matched the shimmer of the chains around Draupadi’s neck.

Drupad rose to the beating of the royal drums as the veena faded away. He cleared his throat and spat into a golden spittoon. ‘As has been the tradition over centuries, an amount equivalent to the weight of my beloved daughter will be given as dowry to the valiant champion who wins her tomorrow.’

There were loud cheers of approval.

Drupad held up a hand and silence fell. ‘But I wish to give the mighty champion more than the gold equivalent to my daughter’s weight, for as we know the weight of a Princess is a state secret.’

And it surely has nothing do with how weak she looks! thought Shakuni sourly.

‘Hence the iron bars which surround her, and weigh far more than the Princess herself.’ He allowed his words to sink in.

As comprehension dawned, a loud chorus of cheers greeted such generosity. The one to win the Princess would be fortunate indeed. Needless to say, every one of the fools gathered thought himself to be the one so blessed.

‘Let the Weighing Ceremony commence!’ announced Drupad, raising his hands.

Silver and gold chains were the first to be placed on the opposite plate of the scale. The plate holding Draupadi did not lift by so much as a hair. Coins in wide-necked, deliberately overstuffed brocade sacks were put on the scale next. Then came jewelled flasks containing ambergris, frankincense and aloewood. Finely woven pashmina, goat’s wool and bales of embroidered silk were added to the scale.