Why did the Pandavs and the Kauravs fight?

The conflict arose from a dynastic succession struggle between two group of cousins, the Kauravas and the Pandavas, for the throne of Hastinapura. Several ancient kingdoms participated as allies of the rival groups.

Who was the maternal uncle of Kauravas?

Shakuni Mama
Shakuni Mama, called as he was the maternal uncle of the Kauravas, is the main villain in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. An intelligent yet devious man, Shakuni has been portrayed as the mastermind behind the Mahabharata.

Who was the maternal uncle of the Pandavas?

Through the 18-day battle, Shalya, who was the maternal uncle of Pandavas demoralised Duryodhana by constantly telling him that he was on the side of evil and would lose.

How was Shalya tricked?

When Shalya heard of the impending Kurukshetra War, he marched forth with his army to join his nephews. On the way, Shalya was tricked by Duryodhana, who arranged a huge feast for Shalya and his men, entertaining him for hours. Yudhishthira promised to Shalya that he will kill him in war.

Why did yudhisthira killed Shalya?

After becoming commander-in-chief, Shalya, now impassioned to fight for the Kaurava cause. Krishna suggests that Yudhishthira should kill the powerful warrior because the eldest Pandava was not a man of aggression and could meet Shalya’s calm demeanour, in battle. Shalya is killed by Yudhishthira in spear-combat.

Why did Shalya fight on the side of the Pandavas?

Also, if you could provide the Sanskrit Shlokas to support your answer, that would be great (although, not necessary). Shalya was the king of Madra and brother of Pandu’s wife Madri, so naturally he wanted to fight on the Pandava side.

Who is Shalya in Mahabharata?

Shalya, a powerful Spear fighter and a formidable charioteer, was tricked by Duryodhana to fight the war on the side of the Kauravas. Shalya was an incredibly calm and deliberate fighter, which is why he made a good charioteer and why he could excel at mace-fighting despite his slight build.

What did Shalya propose to Pandu in the Mahabharata?

According to a version of Mahabharata (which is not included in the BORI Critical Edition), on his way to Hastinapur, Pandu encountered Shalya’s army, and Pandu was very much impressed with Shalya’s General. Shalya proposed that they could either decide the victor by war, or, by marriage.

Why was Shalya tricked into fighting on the Kaurava side?

So Shalya was tricked into fighting on the Kaurava side, despite his love for the Pandavas. In the course of the war, he killed Abhimanyu’s brother-in-law Uttara (as I discuss in this answer ), served as thr charioteer of Karna, and finally became the general of the Kaurava side after Karna died.