Once, Pandavas and Kauravas, were quarrelling as usual. Bhima, in anger, blurted out that Duryodhana’s mother was a widow. Confused the Kauravas asked Bhisma for an explanation.
When enquired, Bhisma found out that Gandhari had previously been wedded to a goat, which was later sacrificed, making her a widow. The marriage was done in order to avert a prediction, that her first husband shall die within 3 months, while her second husband, shall live a long life.
Dhritarashtra felt insulted after knowing this, and Bhisma fumed with anger, as Saubala had never mentioned this, angered, he imprisoned Saubala along with Shakuni and his other sons.
During their imprisonment, they were given only a handful of rice. The food provided was given to Shakuni, as they believed that, he would avenge against their insult and Shakuni, among all the other sons, was the most notorious and cunning of them all.