Significance of Blind king
The term "Blind king" has two significant interpretations in ancient texts. In the Arthashastra, it describes a ruler who lacks insight into necessary sciences, resulting in poor governance and the threat of kingdom decline. In the Purana, it refers primarily to Duryodhana's father, who mourns for his son and faces future lineage challenges. Additionally, it signifies a ruler who, due to ignorance, risks making detrimental decisions that could negatively impact their reign and the realm's stability.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Blind king'
The term "Blind king" in Hinduism symbolizes a ruler, often Dhritarashtra, representing both emotional grief over loss and a lack of insight that jeopardizes governance, risking poor decisions and the kingdom's welfare.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Refers to Dyumatsena, the virtuous king who loses his sight and later faces challenges as a result.[1] (2) The father of Duryodhana, who is described as grieving for his son’s death and impending childlessness.[2]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A ruler lacking knowledge, who is at risk of making poor decisions.[3]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Refers to Dhritarastra, who, despite his blindness, held a key position and faced grief over the loss of his sons.[4]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) A king lacking insight into sciences, leading to maladministration and potential ruin of the kingdom.[5]