Duhsala

Duhsala (Sanskrit: दुःशला, written as Dushala or Dussala) was the only daughter of king Dhritrashtra and Queen Gandhari and sister to Kauravas in the Indian epic Mahābhārata. She was married to Jayadratha the king of Sindhu and Sauvira.

Birth and Early Life

When Queen Gandhari was given boon by Vyasa, the opportunity to have one hundred sons, Gandhari was thrilled, but disappointed that she wouldn't have at least one daughter. Sensing her thoughts, Vyasa had another vessel prepared for a future daughter:Dushala. Hence, Dushala was the only daughter of King Dhritrashtra and Gandhari, the sister to her 100 brothers. All the Pandavas considered Duhsala as their own sister; Dushala also always considered Pandavas as her own brothers. Dussala grew up in Hastinapura under the wise tutelage of Bhishma.

Jayadratha

Dushala was married to Jayadratha (also called Saindhava), the powerful king of Sindhu; the king happened to be a man of split personality, often becoming uncivil. However, Jayadratha was a good friend of Duryodhana, Dushala's oldest brother. Dussala and Jayadratha had a son named Suratha. Jayadratha is first introduced during the Pandavas' 13-year-exile when he attempts to abduct Draupadi. Pandavas save Draupadi and brings him back to Yudhishthira as a prisoner. Draupadi requests them not to kill Jayadratha as their only sister Dushala would become a widow. They leave him after shaving his head. Humiliated and vengeful, Jayadratha immediately withdraws to the forest, performing penance which gives him boons he can use against the Pandavas. When Dussala finds him, she feels ashamed and angry at his irresponsible behavior. However she becomes quiet after knowing about his penance; husband and wife make up.