The Shalya Parva is the ninth book of the Mahabharata, and it details the events of the 18th day of the Kurukshetra war. Named after King Shalya, the ruler of Madra, this Parva is significant because it covers the penultimate day of the war, culminating in the death of key warriors and marking a crucial turning point in the epic.
1. Appointment of Shalya as the Commander-in-Chief
- Story Synopsis: After the death of Karna on the 17th day of the war, Duryodhana appoints King Shalya as the new commander-in-chief of the Kaurava forces. Shalya, despite being the maternal uncle of Nakula and Sahadeva, had allied with the Kauravas due to a trick played by Duryodhana. Though he was initially reluctant, Shalya accepted the command out of a sense of duty.
- Importance: Shalya's appointment is significant because it shows the desperation of the Kauravas. With most of their key warriors fallen, they turn to Shalya, a skilled but reluctant leader, to guide them on the final day. This also highlights the complex relationships in the epic, where family ties often cross the lines of enmity.
2. Death of Shalya
- Story Synopsis: On the 18th day of the war, Shalya leads the Kaurava army but is soon confronted by Yudhishthira. Despite his valor and skills, Shalya is eventually slain by Yudhishthira in a fierce battle. This is one of the few instances where Yudhishthira, who is usually seen as a scholar and statesman, takes an active role in combat.
- Importance: The death of Shalya marks the fall of the last major commander of the Kauravas. Yudhishthira's victory over Shalya also symbolizes the triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (unrighteousness), as Yudhishthira, the embodiment of dharma, defeats Shalya, who was fighting for the wrong cause.
3. Battle of Bhima and Duryodhana
- Story Synopsis: The most dramatic event in the Shalya Parva is the final battle between Bhima and Duryodhana. The two have a brutal mace fight near a lake. Bhima, remembering his vow to break Duryodhana's thighs, eventually strikes him below the waist, mortally wounding him. This act, while fulfilling Bhima's vow, is considered against the rules of mace fighting.
- Importance: This battle is the climax of the long-standing enmity between the Pandavas and Duryodhana. It is also a controversial moment in the Mahabharata, as Bhima’s blow is seen as contrary to the rules of fair combat, raising questions about the ethical compromises made in the pursuit of justice. Duryodhana's downfall is a pivotal moment, signaling the end of the war.
4. Duryodhana’s Lament
- Story Synopsis: After being mortally wounded by Bhima, Duryodhana lies near a lake, lamenting the downfall of his friends and allies. He reflects on the events that led to this point, expressing bitterness and anger towards his fate, and especially towards the Pandavas. This is when Ashwatthama, Kripa, and Kritavarma arrive, leading to the discussion that eventually results in Ashwatthama's nocturnal attack on the Pandava camp.
- Importance: Duryodhana's lament is crucial because it reveals his internal conflict and sense of injustice. His speech highlights the tragic dimensions of his character, who despite his faults, was a product of the circumstances he was born into. This scene also sets the stage for the events of the Sauptika Parva, where Ashwatthama's revenge leads to the near-extermination of the Pandava line.
5. Ashwatthama’s Coronation as Commander
- Story Synopsis: After Shalya's death and the defeat of the Kauravas, Duryodhana, in his last act, appoints Ashwatthama as the commander-in-chief. Ashwatthama, driven by grief over the death of his father Drona and rage against the Pandavas, accepts the role and swears vengeance.
- Importance: This moment is significant as it leads directly into the next phase of the conflict, where Ashwatthama, fueled by a desire for revenge, commits one of the most heinous acts in the epic—the slaughter of the sleeping sons of the Pandavas and their allies. It shows the destructive power of unchecked anger and the cyclical nature of violence.
Lesser-Known Information and Themes
Shalya’s Dual Loyalty: Although Shalya fights for the Kauravas, he secretly supports the Pandavas. During the battle, he subtly discourages Karna and gives incorrect advice, which contributes to Karna's downfall. This dual loyalty highlights the complex nature of dharma, where even allies might not be fully loyal.
Bhima’s Justification: Bhima’s act of striking Duryodhana below the waist, while against the rules of mace fighting, is justified by him as fulfilling his vow. This act is often debated in terms of its ethical implications, reflecting the broader theme of the Mahabharata—where the line between right and wrong is often blurred.
Yudhishthira’s Role in Combat: Typically portrayed as a non-combatant and a symbol of righteousness, Yudhishthira’s active participation in the killing of Shalya shows his transformation throughout the war. It signifies the inevitable involvement in violence that even the most righteous characters face in times of war.
The Shalya Parva is a crucial section of the Mahabharata, encapsulating the themes of loyalty, duty, vengeance, and the moral complexities of war. It sets the stage for the tragic aftermath of the war, exploring the cost of victory and the inevitable sorrow that follows even the most justified of conflicts.