Shalya
Shalya is a major character in the Mahabharata, one of two Sanskrit epics of Ancient India. He was a powerful king from the Bahlika clan, ruling over the Madra kingdom in the Northwest region of the Indian subcontinent. Although he was the brother of Madri, the wife of Pandu, Shalya sided with the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra War. Despite his allegiance, he supported the Pandavas and wished for their victory. While he initially fought as a key warrior for the Kauravas, he was made Karna’s charioteer and, following Karna’s death, was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Kaurava forces. Shalya was killed by the eldest Pandava, Yudhishthira.
Epithets
Shalya is referred to by various epithets, including:- Artayani
- Balhika Pungava
- Madradhipa
- Madraja
- Madrajanadhipa
- Madraka
- Madraraj
- Sauvira
Early life and relations
Shalya was the ruler of the Madra kingdom and was renowned for his formidable skills as a warrior and his wisdom. His sister, Madri, was married to Pandu, King of Kuru kingdom at the request of Bhishma, in exchange of heavy bride price consisting of gold and jewels from Hastinapura..Shalya was present at the svayamvara of Draupadi alongside his sons, Rukmangada and Rukmaratha. However, he withdrew from the contest after failing to string the bow. Bhima later defeated him at the wedding.
During Nakula's western conquests, Shalya befriended his nephew and was entertained by him. He also attended Yudhishthira's Rajasuya yajna and presented Yudhishthira with a sword and a golden jar at his coronation.
Allegiance to Duryodhana
The Udyoga Parva describes about the preparation of the Kurukshetra War and the formation of alliances. Though Shalya was related to the Pandavas and initially intended to fight for them, he was deceived by Duryodhana’s cunning. As he traveled to join the Pandavas, Duryodhana arranged an extravagant reception for him, ensuring that Shalya and his army received unparalleled hospitality. Assuming that the Pandavas were behind these arrangements, Shalya praised his hosts. However, when he discovered that it was actually Duryodhana who had extended this courtesy, he felt obligated by royal etiquette to grant him a boon. Seizing the opportunity, Duryodhana requested Shalya to fight for the Kauravas, and bound by his word, Shalya reluctantly agreed.Despite aligning with the Kauravas, Shalya secretly wished for the Pandavas' victory. Prior to the start of the war, Yudhishthira met with his elders on the Kaurava side, seeking their blessings. Shalya readily offered his blessings to Yudhishthira, wishing him victory. Shalya was requested by Yudhishthira to heap praises of his brothers in order to infuriate Karna. He subtly worked against Karna during his battle with Arjuna, using his position as Karna’s charioteer to demoralize him.
Role in the Kurukshetra War
Participation in the battle
Shalya engaged in multiple battles, displaying both valor and strategic acumen:- On the first day of the war, he dueled with Yudhishthira.
- He killed Uttara, the prince of Virata.
- He defeated another prince of Virata, Shankha.
- He fought against Dhrishtadyumna and was later defeated by Bhima.
- Clashed with multiple warriors including Yudhishthira, Nakula, Sahadeva, Shikhandi, and Arjuna throughout the war.
- Protected Jayadratha from Arjuna’s assault.
Charioteer of Karna
Shalya was reluctantly made Karna’s charioteer at Duryodhana’s insistence. Despite this, he constantly undermined Karna’s confidence by praising Arjuna. Their tense relationship escalated when Karna threatened to kill him, but Shalya countered by narrating the tale of the swan and the crow, mocking Karna’s arrogance.Shalya prevented Karna from killing Nakula, Sahadeva, and Yudhishthira and later consoled him when he was intimidated by Bhima.
Commander-in-chief and death
After Karna’s death, Shalya was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Kaurava army on the eighteenth and final day of the war. He led the army with great might but was ultimately defeated and killed by Yudhishthira in battle. When Gandhari surveys the corpses on the Kurukshetra battlefield after the end of the war, she finds Shalya's tongue being eaten by birds.His soul was among those summoned during the Shraddha rites at the Ganga.