Who are the five eldest warriors who took part in the Mahabharata War?

 These are the five eldest warriors in Kurukshetra war :-

• Bahilika .

He was elder brother of Shantanu and uncle of Bhishma Pitahma .

He was killed by Bhimasena .

Then Bhima, for Satyaki's sake, afflicted the illustrious Valhika with nine shafts and pierced him therewith at the van of battle. Then the mighty-armed son of Pratipa, Valhika, filled with great fury, hurled a dart at the chest of Bhima, like Purandara himself hurling the thunder. Struck therewith, Bhima trembled (on his car) and swooned away. The mighty warrior then, recovering his senses, hurled a mace at his opponent. Hurled by the son of Pandu, that mace snatched away the head of Valhika, who, thereupon, fell down lifeless on the earth, like a tree struck down by lightning.

• Somadatta .

He was eldest son of Bahilika and since Bhishma Pitahma was eight child of Shantanu and Mata Ganga , it is very likely he was older than Pitahma .

He was killed by Satyaki .

Then Satyaki, inflamed with rage, aiming at Somadatta's chest, shot a new and terrible Parigha equipped with a golden staff and hard as the thunder. The Kuru warrior, however, smiling the while, cut off that terrible Parigha advancing with speed against him in two parts. That formidable Parigha of iron, then, thus cut off into two fragments, fell down like so many crests of a mountain riven by thunder. Then Satyaki, O king, with a broad-headed arrow, cut off in that encounter Somadatta's bow, and then with five arrows, the leathern fence that cased his fingers. Then, O Bharata, with four other shafts he speedily despatched the four excellent steeds of the Kuru warrior to Yama's presence. And then that tiger among car-warriors with another straight shaft, smiling the while, cut off from his trunk the head of Somadatta's driver. Then he sought at Somadatta himself a terrible shaft of fiery effulgence, whetted on stone, steeped in oil, and equipped with wings of gold. That excellent and fierce shaft, shot by the mighty grandson of Sini, quickly fell like a hawk, O Lord, upon the chest of Somadatta. Deeply pierced by the mighty Satwata, the great car-warrior Somadatta, O monarch, fell down (from his car) and expired.

• Bhishma Pitahma .

The great son of Maa Ganga and Shantanu .

He was brought down by Arjuna fairly .

Fierce was the battle fought there between thy troops and those of the enemy on that the tenth day, O king, when Bhishma and Arjuna met together. Like unto the vortex that occurs at the spot where the Ganga meets the Ocean, for a short while a vortex occurred there where the troops of both armies met and struck one another down. And the Earth, wet with gore, assumed a fierce form. And the even and the uneven spots on her surface could no longer be distinguished. Although Bhishma was pierced in all his vital limbs, yet on that the tenth day he stayed (calmly) in battle, having slain ten thousand warriors. Then that great bowman, Partha, stationed at the head of his troops, broke the centre of the Kuru army. Ourselves then, afraid of Kunti's son Dhananjaya having white steeds attached to his car, and afflicted by him with polished weapons, fled away from the battle. The Sauviras, the Kitavas, the Easterners, the Westerners, the Northerners, the Malavas, the Abhishahas, the Surasenas, the Sivis, the Vasatis, the Salwas, the Sayas, the Trigartas, the Amvashthas, and the Kaikeyas-these and many other illustrious warriors,--afflicted with arrows and pained by their wounds, abandoned Bhishma in that battle while he was fighting with the diadem-decked (Arjuna). Then a great many warriors, surrounding that single warrior on all sides, defeated the Kurus (that protected him) and covered him with shower of arrows. Throw down, Seize, Fight, Cut into pieces,--this was the furious uproar, O king, heard in the vicinity of Bhishma's car. Having slain in that battle, O monarch, (his foes) by hundreds and thousands, there was not in Bhishma's body space of even two fingers' breadth that was not pierced with arrows. Thus was thy sire mangled with arrows of keen points by Phalguni in that battle. And then he fell down from his car with his head to the east, a little before sunset, in the very sight of thy sons. And while Bhishma fell, loud cries of alas and oh, O Bharata, were heard in the welkin uttered by the celestials and the kings of the earth. And beholding the high-souled grandsire falling down (from his car), the hearts of all of us fell with him. That foremost of all bowmen, that mighty-armed hero, fell down, like an uprooted standard of Indra, making the earth tremble the while.Pierced all over with arrows, his body touched not the ground. At that moment, O bull of Bharata's race, a divine nature took possession of that great bowman lying on a bed of arrows. The clouds poured a (cool) shower (over him) and the Earth trembled. While falling he had marked that the Sun was then in the southern solstice.

• Dronacharya .

He was son of Bharadwaj and is the only one with a clear age in Mahabharata which was supposed to 405 years .

He was slain by Drishtadyumna unfairly .

Thus addressed by Bhima, the mighty-armed Dhrishtadyumna speedily took up a strong, a new and a superb bow capable of bearing a great strain. Filled with rage, and shooting his arrows in that battle at the irresistible Drona, Dhrishtadyumna covered the preceptor, desirous of withstanding him. Those two ornaments of battle then, both foremost of fighters and both filled with rage, invoked into existence the Brahma and diverse other celestial weapons. Indeed, O king, Dhrishtadyumna covered Drona with many mighty weapons in that encounter. Destroying all the weapons of Bharadwaja's son, the Panchala prince, that warrior of unfading glory, began to slay the Vasatis, the Sivis, the Valhikas and the Kurus, that is, them, who protected Drona in that battle. Indeed, O king, shooting showers of arrows on all sides, Dhrishtadyumna at that time looked resplendent like the sun himself shedding his thousands of rays. Drona, however, once more cut off the prince's bow and pierced the vitals of the prince himself with many arrows. Thus pierced, the prince felt great pain. Then Bhima, of great wrath, holding the car of Drona, O monarch, slowly said these words unto him: If wretches amongst Brahmanas, discontented with the avocations of their own order, but well-versed in arms, did not fight, the Kshatriya order then would not have been thus exterminated. Abstention from injury to all creatures hath been said to be the highest of all virtues. The Brahmana is the root of that virtue. As regards thyself, again, thou art the foremost of all persons acquainted with Brahma. Slaying all those Mlecchas and other warriors, who, however, are all engaged in the proper avocations of their order, moved thereto by ignorance and folly, O Brahmana, and by the desire of wealth for benefiting sons and wives; indeed, for the sake of an only son, why dost thou not feel ashamed? He for whom thou hast taken up weapons, and for whom thou livest, he, deprived of life, lieth today on the field of battle, unknown to thee and behind thy back. King Yudhishthira the just hath told thee this. It behoveth thee not to doubt this fact.' Thus addressed by Bhima, Drona laid aside his bow. Desirous of laying aside all his weapons also, Bharadwaja's son of virtuous soul said aloud, 'O Karna, Karna, O great bowman, O Kripa, O Duryodhana, I tell you repeatedly, exert yourselves carefully in battle. Let no injury happen to you from the Pandayas. As regards myself, I lay aside my weapons.' Saying these words, he began loudly to take the name of Aswatthaman. Laying aside his weapons then in that battle, and sitting down on the terrace of his car, he devoted himself to Yoga and assured all creatures, dispelling their fears. Beholding that opportunity, Dhrishtadyumna mustered all his energy. Laying down on the car his formidable bow, with arrow fixed on the bow-string, he took up a sword, and jumping down from his vehicle, rushed quickly against Drona. All creatures, human beings and others, uttered exclamation of woe, beholding Drona thus brought under Dhrishtadyumna's power. Loud cries of Oh and Alas were uttered, as also those of Oh and Fie. As regards Drona himself, that large head of Bharadwaja's son before the warriors of thy army. Thy soldiers, O monarch, beholding the head of Bharadwaja's son, set their hearts on flight and ran away in all directions. Meanwhile Drona, ascending the skies, entered the stellar path. Through the grace of the Rishis Krishna (Dwaipayana), the son of Satyavati, I witnessed, O king, the (true circumstances about the) death of Drona. I beheld that illustrious one proceeding, after he had ascended the sky, like a smokeless brand of blazing splendour. Upon the fall of Drona, the Kurus, the Pandavas and the Srinjayas, all became cheerless and ran away with great speed. The army then broke up. Many had been slain, and many wounded by means of keen shafts. Thy warriors (in particular), upon the fall of Drona, seemed to be deprived of life. Having sustained a defeat, and being inspired with fear about the future, the Kurus regarded themselves deprived of both the worlds. Indeed, they lost all self-control. Searching for the body of Bharadwaja's, son, O monarch, on the field covered with thousands of headless trunks, the kings could not find it. The Pandavas, having gained the victory and great prospects of renown in the future, began to make loud sounds with their arrows and conchs and uttered loud leonine roars. Then Bhimasena, O king, and Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Prishata, were seen in the midst of the (Pandava) host to embrace each other. Addressing the son of Prishata, that scorcher of foes, viz., Bhima said, 'I will again embrace thee, O son of Prishata, as one crowned with victory, when that wretch of a Suta's son shall be slain in battle, as also that other wretch, viz., Duryodhana.' Having said these words, Bhimasena, the son of Pandu, filled with transports of joy, caused the earth to tremble with slaps on his armpits. Terrified by that sound, thy troops ran away from battle, forgetting the duties of the Kshatriyas and setting their hearts on flight. The Pandavas, having become victors, became very glad, O monarch, and they felt great happiness, derived from the destruction of their foes in battle .

• Kripacharya .

He and his twin sister were children of Maharishi Sharavadat Gautam .

He was one of the few survivors of wars .

Having said these words unto the king deprived of his senses and lying with broken thighs, Ashvatthama once more cast his eyes on him and uttered these words, "If, O Duryodhana, thou hast any life in thee still, listen to these words that are so pleasant to hear. On the side of the Pandavas, only seven are alive, and among the Dhartarashtras, only we three! The seven on their side are the five brothers and Vasudeva and Satyaki; on our side, we three are myself and Kripa and Kritavarma! All the sons of Draupadi have been slain, as also all the children of Dhrishtadyumna! All the Pancalas too have been slain, as also the remnant of the Matsyas, O Bharata! Behold the vengeance taken for what they had done! The Pandavas are now childless! While buried in sleep, the men and animals in their camp have all been slain! Penetrating into their camp in the night, O king, I have slain Dhrishtadyumna, that wight of sinful deeds, as one kills an animal.

Then there are some other such as Drupada who was classmate of Drona , Shalya who was present in Kashi Swayamvara were Bhishma had fought him , Bhagdutta was supposed to be very old , Bhurishava was very old too .

Jai Sri Krishna .

What is the role of King Mahabhish in the Mahabharata?

 According to the epic, Mahabhish was born as king Shantanu, the father of Bhishma. Shantanu played an pivotal role in the epic as the father of Bhishma and then remarriage Satyavati, whose grandkids fought the battle of Mahabharat.

Curse of Brahma

Mahabhish was a king from Ikshvaku lineage. He performed austerities for years like Ashwamedh and Vajapeya sacrifices thereby attaining heaven.

However, one day in the court of Brahma, all the devas and Mahabhish were present. Ganga too entered the court, when due to wind, her upper garments got blown away.

While all others lowered their eyes, Mahabhisha continued to stare. This act of Mahabhish annoyed Brahma, who cursed him to be born on earth, to repent and regain his status again.

Vaishampayana said, ‘There was once a king named Mahabhisha. He was born in the Ikshvaku lineage and was a lord of the earth. He wasalways truthful and truly valorous. He pleased the lord of the gods through 1000 horse sacrifices and 100 vajapeya sacrifices and thus attained heaven.

‘One day, the gods went to pay homage to Brahma. Many rajarshis and King Mahabhisha were also present. Ganga, the best of the rivers, also came to pay homage to the grandfather. Her garments, as white as moonlight, were blown away by the wind and immediately the masses of gods lowered their faces. However, rajarshi Mahabhisha continued to stare unabashedly at the river. Because of this, Mahabhisha was cursed by the illustrious Brahma. “You will be born on earth and then you will again regain these worlds.” The king then thought about all the kings and ascetics on earth and chose the immensely radiant Pratipa as his father. On seeing King Mahabhisha lose his composure, the best of the rivers went away, thinking about him in her mind. Along her path, she saw the divine vasus. They were crestfallen and dark with despair at having been dislodged from heaven.

Chapter 91, Sambhava Parva, Section 07, Mahabharat

Mahabhish chose Pratipa, from the kuru lineage to be his father. And thus he was born as the son of Pratipa and named Shantanu.

Pratipa, bull among the Kshatriyas, performed austerities with his wife, so as to obtain a son. Though they were old, a son was born to them and this son was Mahabhisha. He was known as Shantanu, because he was born when his father had controlled his senses.

Chapter 92, Sambhava Parva, Section 07, Mahabharat

According to the epic, Mahabhish was born as Shantanu as per the curse of Brahma and thus took birth as the son of Pratipa.

How did Lord Krishna revive Parikshit in Mahabharat?

 Lord Krishna saved Parikshit because he was not destined to die. Krishna does not interfere with destiny and hence he did not save Abhimanyu or Draupadi's sons. But Parikshit was destined to live and rule the Kurus for a long time.

Krishna challenges Ashwatthama that he will save Uttara’s son

Vasudeva replied, “This supreme weapon is invincible and will indeed descend. The foetus will be born dead. However, it will revive and live till a long age.

O extremely evil-minded one! That king will be known by the name of Parikshit. O worst of men! You will look on. Behold the power of my austerities, energy and truth.”

• 16, Aishika parva, Mahabharata.

When the Pandavas had went away to Himalayas to collect the hidden wealth of Marutta, Uttara gave birth to a dead child. Great lamentations happened in Hastinapura. Draupadi, Kunti, Subhadra and Uttara pleaded to Lord Krishna to save the child and the lord agreed.

Lord Krishna invoked various truths and withdrew the power of Brahmashira, allowing Parikshit to come back to life

Krishna touched water and withdrew brahmastra’s powers. Dasharha had promised that he would bring him back to life. The one with the pure soul spoke these words, so that the entire universe could hear. “O Uttara! I do not utter a falsehood. This will come true. While all the creatures look on, I will revive him. I have never spoken a lie earlier, not even in jest. Never have I retreated in battle. Therefore, he will come back to life. I love dharma and I specially love brahmanas. Abhimanyu’s son was born dead. But let him revive. There has never been a conflict between me and Vijaya. Through the virtue of that truth, let this dead child come back to life. Since truth and dharma have always been established in me, let this dead child come back to life. I killed Kamsa and Keshi by resorting to dharma. Because of that truth, let his child again come back to life.”

• 68, Ashwamedha parva, Mahabharata.

When Parikshit was brought back to life, everyone praised Krishna

‘Krishna thus withdrew the power of brahmastra and that room was illuminated through your father’s energy. All the rakshasas were rebuffed and forced to leave that house. An invisible voice was heard to speak in the firmament, “O Keshava! Excellent.” The blazing weapon returned to the grandfather. O lord of men! Your father again got back his life. Appropriate to its capacity and its strength, the child began to move. O king! At this, the Bharata women were delighted. On Govinda’s instructions, the brahmanas pronounced benedictions. Everyone was delighted and praised Janardana. The wives of the lions among the Bharatas were like those who acquire a boat and reach the shore. Kunti, Drupada’s daughter, Subhadra and Uttara and the wives of the other lions among men were cheerful in their minds. Wrestlers, actors, fighters, narrators, soukhashayikas and large numbers of bards and minstrels praised Janardana.

• 69, Ashwamedhika parva, Mahabharata.

What is the most powerful astra in the Mahabharata?

 

The Agneyastra generated by Ashwathama on 15th day of the war out of his sheer rage stands out as the most powerful celestial weapon in the great war.

The valiant Aswatthaman, then, staying resolutely on his car, touched water and invoked the Agneya weapon incapable of being resisted by the very gods. Aiming at all his visible and invisible foes, the preceptor's son, that slayer of hostile heroes, inspired with mantras a blazing shaft possessed of the effulgence of a smokeless fire, and let it off on all sides, filled with rage.

The heat generated by the weapon slowly started to scorch the entire universe and it felt like universal dissolution which Samvarta fire carried out in the end of a yuga.

Endued with fiery flames, those arrows encompassed Partha on all sides. Meteors flashed down from the firmament. A thick gloom suddenly shrouded the (Pandava) host. All the points of the compass also were enveloped by that darkness. Rakshasas and Pisachas, crowding together, uttered fierce cries.

Inauspicious winds began to blow. The sun himself no longer gave any heat. Ravens fiercely croaked on all sides. Clouds roared in the welkin, showering blood. Birds and beasts and kine, and Munis of high vows and souls under complete control, became exceedingly uneasy. The very elements seemed to be perturbed.

The sun seemed to turn. The universe, scorched with heat, seemed to be in a fever. The elephants and other creatures of the land, scorched by the energy of that weapon, ran in fright, breathing heavily and desirous of protection against that terrible force. The very waters heated, the creatures residing in that element, O Bharata, became exceedingly uneasy and seemed to burn.

From all the points of the compass, cardinal and subsidiary, from the firmament and the very earth, showers of sharp and fierce arrows fell and issued with the impetuosity of Garuda or the wind.

Struck and burnt by those shafts of Aswatthaman that were all endued with the impetuosity of the thunder, the hostile warriors fell down like trees burnt down by a raging fire. Huge elephants, burnt by that weapon, fell down on the earth all around, uttering fierce cries loud as the rumblings of the clouds. Other huge elephants, scorched by that fire, ran hither and thither, and roared aloud in fear, as if in the midst of a forest conflagration.

The steeds, O king, and the cars also, burnt by the energy of that weapon, looked, O sire, like the tops of trees burnt in a forest-fire. Thousands of cars fell down on all sides. Indeed, O Bharata, it seemed that the divine lord Agni burnt the (Pandava) host in that battle, like the Samvarta fire consuming everything at the end of the Yuga.

The weapon burnt 1 akshouhini of Pandava army and soon spread it destruction. However, Arjuna APPARENTLY countered it with Brahmastra..

So it should be less powerful than Brahmastra? Well, that's the shocker.. Ashwathama' was shocked to see such an incident, he fled the scene and encountered Vyas and asks him how Krishna and Arjuna was able to escape with their lives. The weapon he generated was impossible to be countered and should've killed both Krishna and Arjuna. He asked Vyasa what was the reason for his Weapon’s failure.

'O sire, O sire, is this an illusion, or is it a caprice (on the part of the weapon)? I do not know what it is. Why, indeed, hath my weapon become fruitless? What breach (has there been in the method of invocation)? Or, is it something abnormal, or, is it a victory over Nature (achieved by the two Krishnas) since they are yet alive?

It seems that Time is irresistible. Neither Asuras, nor Gandharvas, nor Pisachas, nor Rakshasas, nor Uragas, Yakshas, and birds, nor human beings, can venture to baffle this weapon shot by me. This fiery weapon, however, having slain only one Akshauhini of troops, hath been pacified.

This exceedingly fierce weapon shot by me is capable of slaying all creatures. For what reason then could it not slay Kesava and Arjuna, both of whom are endued with the attributes of humanity? Asked by me, O holy one, answer me truly. O great Muni, I desire to hear all this in detail.'

Vyasa narrated the story of Krishna’s previous birth as sage Narayana, and how he had obtained boons from Shiva that made him invincible. It was Narayana who created Nara and protected him throughout the war. Earlier Shiva asked Jayadratha to spare Arjun as he was protected by Krishna. The Agneyastra was rendered ineffective due to Shiva’s boon to Krishna otherwise, it would have incinerated the entire Pandava army along with Arjuna and Krishna.

Literal plot armor was needed to stop this particular weapon. What more do you need to prove its power? Nothing in Mahabharat comes close to the power of this Astra which was empowered by Ashwathama'.. A’thama himself being a part of Rudra could be another reason for its immense destructive power.

Those two Rishis, said to be older than the oldest gods, take their births in every Yuga for serving the purposes of the world. Thyself also, O thou of great heart, hast been born as a portion of Rudra, by virtue of all thy religious acts and as a consequence of high ascetic austerities, endued with great energy and wrath.

Major Alliances Between Kingdoms During the Mahabharata Period

Introduction

The Mahabharata, one of the greatest epics of ancient India, presents a detailed account of political, military, and dynastic alliances that shaped the course of the Kurukshetra War. The alliances among kingdoms were forged through marriages, diplomatic relations, and mutual interests in power dynamics. These alliances played a crucial role in the battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, determining the composition of each side's army and influencing the war’s outcome.

This analysis explores the key alliances during the Mahabharata period, their political motivations, and their significance in shaping the conflict.

Political Landscape Before the Kurukshetra War

Before the war, the Indian subcontinent was divided into several powerful kingdoms, each having its own rulers, interests, and conflicts. The two dominant factions, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, sought to strengthen their positions by forging alliances with various rulers.

The alliances were built on factors such as:

1. Dynastic Marriages - Strengthening ties through matrimonial relationships.
2. Military Support - Gaining warriors and armies for the impending war.
3. Political Strategy - Aligning with kingdoms for mutual benefits.
4. Old Friendships and Rivalries - Choosing sides based on historical relations.

Alliances of the Pandavas

1. The Yadava Alliance (Krishna and Balarama)

The Yadavas, led by Lord Krishna and his brother Balarama, were among the most powerful clans during the Mahabharata period. Krishna, an ardent supporter of the Pandavas, played a crucial role in guiding them throughout their struggles. Though Krishna refused to wield weapons, he became Arjuna’s charioteer, acting as a strategist and counselor.

However, the Yadavas remained divided, as Krishna supported the Pandavas, while Balarama, adhering to neutrality, refused to fight.

2. The Panchala Kingdom (King Drupada and Draupadi)

Drupada, the king of Panchala, initially had a rivalry with Drona but later allied with the Pandavas after Arjuna won Draupadi’s hand in marriage. Draupadi’s swayamvara served as a pivotal moment, cementing Panchala’s support for the Pandavas. Drupada’s son, Dhrishtadyumna, was born from a yajna specifically to kill Dronacharya, making him a key commander in the Pandava army.

3. The Matsya Kingdom (King Virata)

The Pandavas spent their final year of exile incognito in the kingdom of Virata. After their identity was revealed, Virata aligned with them, offering his son, Uttar, and a large army to their cause. Virata’s daughter, Uttara, was later married to Arjuna’s son, Abhimanyu, further strengthening this alliance.

4. The Kekaya Kingdom

The Kekaya brothers, strong allies of the Pandavas, provided substantial military support. They were related to the Pandavas through their mother, Madri, making their loyalty stronger.

5. The Chedi Kingdom (King Shishupala and Dhrishtaketu)

Although Shishupala, the former king of Chedi, was an enemy of Krishna, his successor, Dhrishtaketu, was a firm ally of the Pandavas and fought on their side in the war.

6. The Nagas (Ulupi’s Support)

Ulupi, a Naga princess and one of Arjuna’s wives, ensured the support of the Nagas, who played a minor but significant role in supporting the Pandavas.

7. The Rakshasa Kingdom (Ghatotkacha and the Rakshasas)

Ghatotkacha, the son of Bhima and the Rakshasi Hidimba, led a contingent of Rakshasas in the war. His formidable skills significantly weakened the Kaurava army before he was slain by Karna using Indra’s celestial weapon.

8. The Magadha Kingdom (King Sahadeva)

Sahadeva, the ruler of Magadha (not to be confused with the Pandava Sahadeva), aligned with the Pandavas and provided military assistance in the war.

Alliances of the Kauravas

1. The Hastinapura Allies (The Kuru Dynasty and Their Supporters)

The Kauravas, being the ruling faction of Hastinapura, commanded significant influence over many kingdoms, gathering a formidable army under Duryodhana’s leadership.

2. The Anga Kingdom (King Karna)

Karna, the foster son of a charioteer but later crowned the king of Anga by Duryodhana, was one of the strongest allies of the Kauravas. His unwavering loyalty to Duryodhana was crucial for their cause.

3. The Sindhu Kingdom (King Jayadratha)

Jayadratha, the king of Sindhu, was married to Duryodhana’s sister, making him a natural ally of the Kauravas. He played a pivotal role in blocking the Pandavas on the thirteenth day of the war, leading to Abhimanyu’s tragic death.

4. The Kamboja Kingdom

The Kambojas, known for their fierce cavalry, sided with the Kauravas and provided an excellent contingent of warriors.

5. The Gandhara Kingdom (Shakuni and His Influence)

Shakuni, the king of Gandhara and maternal uncle of Duryodhana, was a key strategist for the Kauravas. His influence extended beyond warfare, as he was instrumental in orchestrating the infamous dice game that led to the Pandavas' exile.

6. The Madra Kingdom (King Shalya)

Shalya, the ruler of Madra and the brother of Madri (the Pandavas’ mother), was initially inclined to support the Pandavas. However, through clever diplomacy, Duryodhana managed to secure his alliance, making him the commander-in-chief of the Kaurava army after Karna’s death.

7. The Pragjyotisha Kingdom (King Bhagadatta)

Bhagadatta, the ruler of Pragjyotisha (present-day Assam), was an ally of the Kauravas and contributed a significant elephant force to the war.

8. The Bahlika Kingdom

Bahlika, the elder brother of King Shantanu and granduncle of both Pandavas and Kauravas, fought on Duryodhana’s side despite his advanced age.

Neutral Kingdoms and Their Stance

Some powerful kingdoms, like the Vrishnis (Yadavas), remained neutral despite their internal divisions. Balarama chose to abstain from the war, opting for pilgrimage instead. Similarly, Rukmi, the brother of Rukmini (Krishna’s wife), offered to join the Pandavas but was rejected by Arjuna, leaving him out of the conflict.

Significance of These Alliances

The alliances formed before and during the Kurukshetra War illustrate the complexity of ancient Indian politics. The war was not merely a battle between cousins but a full-scale conflict involving nearly every major kingdom of the time. These alliances influenced the strategies, strengths, and eventual outcomes of the war.

• Strategic Marriages played a key role in forming bonds between kingdoms.
• Diplomatic Maneuvering determined who joined which side.
• Loyalty and Betrayal were seen throughout, with some kings switching sides or being tricked into alliances.
• Divine Interventions such as Krishna’s presence on the Pandava side added another layer to the war’s significance.

Conclusion

The Mahabharata war was a culmination of intricate political, familial, and military alliances that had been brewing for years. The Pandavas, despite being outnumbered, secured key alliances that helped them triumph. Meanwhile, the Kauravas’ over-reliance on certain warriors like Karna and Bhishma ultimately led to their downfall. These alliances provide deep insights into ancient Indian warfare, diplomacy, and governance, making the Mahabharata not just a story of conflict but a detailed study of power dynamics in ancient India.