Shalya was the King of Madra in the Mahabharata. Her sister
Madri was married to Prince Pandu. He was the uncle of Nakula and Sahadeva –
the last of the two Pandava brothers. In the Kurukshetra battle, he fought on
the side of the Kauravas.
Legend has it that it was by cheating that Shalya was
enticed to join the camp of Kauravas. As Shalya was approaching the Kurukshetra
battlefield with his army, he found that, at each halting point, there were
arrangements made for his comforts. Shalya thought it had been done by
Yudhishtira.
After enjoying the comforts at several places, he sent a
message through one of the men to go to his master and state that Shalya would
serve that master who had accorded such treatment.
It was only later he realized that Duryodhana was that
master. However, having given his word, he decided to keep it.
Shalya fought bravely for Duryodhana. When Karna became
commander-in-chief, he was asked to serve as Karna’s charioteer. But throughout
his charioteership he caused confusion in the mind of Karna. This created
uncertainty and fear, which partly led to the death of Karna.
When Karna died, Shalya was made the commander-in-chief on
the last day of the Mahabharat battle. He fought bravely and finally died at
the hands of Yudhisthira.
Related
Story of Draupadi Making Fun of Duryodhana in Indraprastha
Related
Story of Draupadi Making Fun of Duryodhana in Indraprastha