Dhrtarastra was born blind to Ambika, first wife of Vichitravirya, ruler of Hastinapura. He was in fact fathered by Vyasadeva after the demise of Vichitravirya. He was looked after by Bhismadeva along with his younger brothers, Pandu and Vidura.As per tradition, Dhrtarastra being the oldest child was nominated new king of Hastinapura. However Vidura objected since a king who could not take care of himself could not rule the nation properly. Dhrtarastra’s disability prevented him from ascending the throne. Therefore Dhrtarastra gave up the throne and Pandu became the acceptable ruler of Hastinapura. The elders of Kuru dynasty like Bhismadeva, Satyavati, and family priest, Krpacarya accepted Pandu to be the new king. Dhrtarastra was however upset due to this injustice. Later however he got back his kingdom when Pandu retired to the forests.
Dhrtarastra was married to Gandhari. Pandu was married to Kunti and Madri. Pandu got five children, three from Kunti and two from Madri. Pandu's eldest son, Yudhisthira was born before Gandari could deliver her child. This upset Dhrtarastra and Gandhari since Pandu's son would be the next successor. In a fit of anger, Gandhari smashed her womb and the embryo of the new-born split into one-hundred fragments. Each fragment become a child. Hence, Gandhari gave birth to one hundred children. The oldest child was named Duryodhana. At the birth of the first son, Dhrtarastra was advised by Vidura and Bhismadeva to abandon the child due to bad omens surrounding him, but Dhrtarastra's love stopped him. The king was lenient towards his sons even when they were ill-treating the sons of Pandu. Dhratarastra wanted his own son to be heir to the throne and supported the plans to eliminate the Pandavas.
Dhrtarashtra was full of affection towards his sons and harboured ill-feelings towards his brother's sons before the war of Kuruksetra. He was however fearful of Lord Krishna's presence among the Pandavas and showed anxiety at the outcome of the battle.
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