Originally posted by: vyapti
Why do not you believe in the existence of Rukmini while you believe in the existence of other wives?
None but Satyabhama appear in MB I think.
You're right that only Satyabhama appears in real time in MBh. Vyasa is not very kind to her, either. In the one major scene she has dialogue, she is portrayed as a petty, malicious brat.
Coming to Rukmini... Harivamsa states 4 of Rukimini's sons, including Pradyumna, were born BEFORE her and given by Krishna to his uncle Gandusha for adoption. Pradyumna was supposed to have grown up lightning speed and appearing similar to Krishna in age. Barring the supernatural, the above clues confirm Pradyumna was not Krishna's biological son. There seems to be adult adoption involved, possibly for inheritance purposes. Contrary to what we see now about Krishna, he was regarded as an interloper by the Yadavas. Perhaps the adoption was a move to reassure them power and money would remain with the clan/family.
Then, the Rukmini haran episode. In some versions, the Rukmavati haran is exactly the same. Yes, I'm aware they're different in northern recension. But put together with what northern recension itself states about Pradyumna, it's very likely Rukmini/Rukmavati were one and the same woman who married Pradyumna, not Krishna. Now, Krishna was involved in her rescue, which might have started rumors and led to the creation of a second woman to explain things.
In addition, she was not involved in any of Krishna's doings though she was supposed to be number one wife and is a flat character like someone created out of thin air. Even Jambavati had a personality. Satyabhama, too, of course. The other wives were too junior to be of importance.
Edited by HearMeRoar - 5 years ago