Dhrtarāṣṭra is a character from the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata. He is the blind king of Hastinapura and the father of the Kauravas, a group of hundred brothers who are central to the conflict in the epic. Dhrtarāṣṭra's blindness symbolizes his inability to see the truth and the consequences of his actions, particularly in favoring his sons over the Pandavas, their cousins. Despite his blindness, Dhrtarāṣṭra plays a significant role in the events leading to the Kurukshetra War. He is often depicted as a conflicted figure, torn between his love for his sons and his awareness of their moral failings. His character raises themes of duty, loyalty, and the complexities of leadership.