The Battle of Eighteen Days
Armies on the Battlefield—Bhishma leads the Kauravas—Karna
refrains from fighting—Bhishma's Triumphant Charge—Arjuna's
Success—Slaughter of Princes—Bhima in Peril—Iravat is slain—The
Rakshasa Warrior—Duryodhana desires Karna as Leader—The Fall
of Bhishma—Drona as Leader—How Abhimanyu perished—Arjuna's
Revenge—The Night Battle—Drupada and Drona are slain—Karna's
Vow—Bhima drinks Duhsasana's Blood—Karna's Combat with
Arjuna—The Fall of Karna—The Last Day of Battle—Duryodhana in
Hiding—Discovered by Pandavas—Bhima overcomes Duryodhana—Wrath of
Balarama—Krishna intervenes—Drona's Son in Pandava Camp—A Night of
Slaughter.
Soon after Krishna had returned from Hastinapur, Duryodhana sent a
challenge to the Pandavas. His messenger spake, saying: “You have
vowed to wage war against us. The time has come for you to fulfil
your vow. Your kingdom was seized by me, your wife Draupadi was put
to shame, and you were all made exiles. Why do you not now seek to be
avenged in battle? Where is drowsy Bhima, who boasted that he would
drink the blood of Duhsasana? Duhsasana is weary with waiting for him.
Where is arrogant Arjuna, who hath Drona to meet? When mountains are
blown about like dust, and men hold back the wind with their hands,
Arjuna will take captive the mighty Drona.... Of what account was the
mace of Bhima and the bow of Arjuna on the day when your kingdom was
taken from you, and you were banished like vagabonds?... Vain will be
the help of Krishna when you meet us in battle.”
Krishna answered the messenger, saying: “Vainly dost thou boast of
prowess, but ere long thy fate will be made known unto thee. I will
consume thine army like to fire which consumeth withered grass. Thou
wilt not escape me, for I will drive the chariot of Arjuna. And let
Duhsasana know that the vow of Bhima will ere long be fulfilled.”
Said Arjuna: “Tell thou Duryodhana, ‘It is unseemly for warriors to
boast like women.... It is well that Duhsasana cometh to battle.’”
When the messenger spake these words to Duryodhana, Karna said: “Cease
this chatter! Let the drums of war be sounded.”
So on the morrow at red dawn the armies of the Kauravas and the
Pandavas were assembled for battle on the wide plain of Kuru-Kshetra.
Bhishma, with his large palmyra standard decked with five stars, had
been chosen to lead Duryodhana's army, and Karna, who had quarrelled
with him, vowed not to fight so long as the older warrior remained
alive. “Should he fall, however,” Karna said, “I will go forth against
Arjuna.”
The army of the Pandavas was commanded by Dhrishta-dyumna, son of
Drupada, and brother of Draupadi. Among the young heroes were Arjuna's
two sons, the noble and peerless Abhimanyu, whose mother was Krishna's
fair sister Subhadra, and brave Iravat, whose mother was Ulupi, the
serpent nymph, daughter of the king of the Nagas. Bhima's Rakshasa son,
the terrible Ghatotkacha, who had power to change his shape and create
illusions, had also hastened to assist his kinsmen. Krishna drove the
chariot of Arjuna, who carried his celestial bow, named Gandiva, the
gift of the god Agni; and his standard was the image of Hanuman, the
chief ape god, who was the son of Vayu, the wind god. Now the army of
Duryodhana was more numerous than the army of Yudhishthira.
Drona led the right wing of the Kaurava forces, which was strengthened
by Shakuni, the gambler, and his Gandhari lancers. The left wing was
led by Duhsasana, who was followed by Kamboja cavalry and fierce
Sakas and Yavanas mounted on rapid steeds. The peoples of the north
were there and the peoples of the south, and of the east also.[280]
Blind old Dhritarashtra was in the rear, and with him was Sanjaya, his
charioteer, who related all that took place, having been gifted with
divine vision by Vyasa.
[280] The late Professor H. H. Wilson considered that the Kamboja were
troops of Khorasan, Balkh, and Bokhara, that the Sakas, the Sacæ of the
ancients, were some of the Scythians from Turkestan and Tartary, and
that the Yavanas, “Ionians”, were the Greeks of Bactria. The peoples of
south and east included half-breeds and aborigines.
Ere yet the conflict began, Yudhishthira walked unarmed towards
the Kauravas, whereat his kinsmen made merry, thinking he was
terror-stricken. But Pandu's noble son first spake to Bhishma and
asked permission to fight against him. Bhishma gave consent. Then he
addressed Drona in like terms, and Drona gave consent also. And ere he
returned to his place, Yudhishthira called out before the Kaurava army:
“Whoso desireth to help our cause, let him follow me.” When he had
spoken thus, Yuyutsu, the half-brother of Duryodhana, made answer: “If
thou wilt elevate me, I will serve thee well.” Said Yudhishthira: “Be
my brother.” Then Yuyutsu followed Yudhishthira with all his men, and
no man endeavoured to hold him back.
When the armies were being set in order for battle, Arjuna bade Krishna
to drive his chariot to the open space on which the struggle would take
place. Indra's mighty son surveyed the hosts, and when he saw his
kinsmen, young and old, and his friends and all the elders and princes
on either side ready to fall upon one another, his heart was touched,
and he trembled with pity and sorrow. He spake to Krishna, saying: “I
seek nor victory, nor kingdom, nor any joy upon earth. Those for whose
sake we might wish for power are gathered against us in battle. What
joy can come to us if we commit the crime of slaying our own kinsmen?”
So saying, Arjuna let fall his celestial bow and sat down on the bench
of his chariot with a heart full of grief.
Krishna admonished Arjuna, saying: “Thou art a Kshatriya, and it is
thy duty to fight, no matter what may befall thee or befall others. So
I command thee who am responsible for thy doings. He who hath wisdom
sorroweth not for the living or for the dead. As one casteth off old
raiment and putteth on new, so the soul casteth off this body and
entereth the new body. Naught existeth that is not of the soul.”
After long instruction, Krishna revealed himself to Arjuna in his
celestial splendour and power and said: “Let thy heart and thine
understanding be fixed in me, and thou shalt dwell in me hereafter.
I will deliver thee from all thy sins.... I am the same unto all
creatures; there is none hateful to me—none dear. Those who worship
me are in me and I am in them. Those who hate me are consigned to
evil births: they are deluded birth after birth, nor ever reach unto
me.”[281]
[281] A long section of the _Mahábhárata_ occurring here, and forming a
sort of episode or discussion by itself, is called “Bhagavadgita”, and
is dealt with more fully in Chapters VI, VII.
Arjuna gave ear unto the counsel of Krishna, and prepared for the fray.
Loudly bellowed the war shells, and the drums of battle were sounded.
The Kauravas made ready to attack with horsemen, footmen, and
charioteers, and elephants of war. The Pandavas were marshalled to meet
them. And the air was filled with the shouting of men, the roaring
of elephants, the blasts of trumpets, and the beating of drums: the
rattling of chariots was like to thunder rolling in heaven. The gods
and Gandharvas assembled in the clouds and saw the hosts which had
gathered for mutual slaughter.
As both armies waited for sunrise, a tempest arose and the dawn was
darkened by dust clouds, so that men could scarce behold one another.
Evil were the omens. Blood dropped like rain out of heaven, while
jackals howled impatiently, and kites and vultures screamed hungrily
for human flesh. The earth shook, peals of thunder were heard, although
there were no clouds, and angry lightning rent the horrid gloom;
flaming thunderbolts struck the rising sun and broke in fragments with
loud noise....
The undaunted warriors never faltered, despite these signs and
warnings. Shouting defiance, they mingled in conflict, eager for
victory, and strongly armed. Swords were wielded and ponderous maces,
javelins were hurled, and numerous darts also; countless arrows
whistled in speedy flight.
When the wind fell and the air cleared, the battle waxed in fury.
Bhishma achieved mighty deeds. Duryodhana led his men against Bhima's,
and they fought with valour. Yudhishthira fought with Salya, Rajah
of Madra[282]; Dhrishta-dyumna, son of Drupada, went against Drona,
who had captured aforetime half of the Panchala kingdom with the
aid of the Pandavas. Drupada was opposed to Jayadratha, the Rajah of
Sindhu, who had endeavoured to carry off Draupadi, and was compelled to
acknowledge himself the slave of Yudhishthira. Many single combats were
fought with uncertain result.
[282] Although the brother of Madri, mother of the two younger Pandava
princes, he was an ally of the Kauravas.
All day the armies battled with growing ardour. When evening was coming
on, Abhimanyu, son of Arjuna, perceived that the advantage lay with the
Kauravas, chiefly because of Bhishma's prowess. So he went speedily
against that mighty warrior, and cut down the ensign of his chariot.
Bhishma said that never before had he beheld a youthful hero who could
perform greater deeds. Then he advanced to make fierce attack upon the
Pandava army. Victoriously he went, cutting a blood-red path through
the stricken legions; none could resist him for a time. The heart
of Arjuna was filled with shame, and he rode against Bhishma, whose
advance was stayed. The two heroes fought desperately until dusk. Then
Bhishma retired; but Arjuna followed him, and pressed into the heart of
the Kaurava host, achieving great slaughter. The truce was sounded, and
the first day's battle came to an end.
Yudhishthira was despondent because that the fortunes of war seemed to
be against him; in the darkness he went unto Krishna, who bade him to
be of good cheer, and Yudhishthira was comforted.
On the morning of the second day Bhishma again attacked the Pandava
forces, shattering their ranks; but Arjuna drove him back. Perceiving
this, Duryodhana lamented to Bhishma that he had quarrelled with Karna.
The old warrior made answer: “Alas! I am a Kshatriya and must fight
even against my beloved kinsman.” Then he rode against Arjuna once
more, and the two warriors contended fiercely and wounded one another.
Drupada's son waged a long combat with Drona, and Bhima performed
mighty deeds. He leapt on the back of an elephant and slew the son of
the Rajah of Maghadha[283]; and he slew the rajah and his elephant also
with a single blow of his mace.
[283] Behar.
Towards evening a furious combat was waged by Abhimanyu, son of Arjuna,
and Lakshmana, son of Duryodhana. The young Pandava was about to
achieve the victory, when Duryodhana came to his son's aid with many
rajahs. Shouts were raised: “Abhimanyu is in peril; he will be overcome
by force of numbers!” Arjuna heard these words, and rode to the rescue.
Thereupon the Kauravas cried out in terror: “Arjuna! Arjuna!” and
scattered in flight. That evening Bhishma spake unto Drona and said:
“Methinks the gods are against us.”
On the third day the army of the Pandavas advanced in crescent
formation and drove back the Kaurava army. Many were slain, and rivers
of blood laid down the dust; horses writhed in agony, and the air was
filled with the shrieking and moaning of wounded men. Terrible were the
omens, for headless men rose up and fought against one another; then
the people feared that all who contended in that dread battle would be
slain.
When he beheld the broken cars, the fallen standards, and the heaps of
slain elephants and horses and men, Duryodhana said to Bhishma: “Thou
shouldst yield thy place to Karna. Methinks thou art partial to Arjuna
and the Pandavas.”
Said Bhishma: “Thy struggle is in vain, foolish Duryodhana. None
can wipe out the stain of thy sins; of no avail is cunning against a
righteous cause. Verily, thou shalt perish because of thy folly.... I
have no fear of battle, and I will lead the Kauravas until I triumph or
fall.”
Then angry Bhishma urged his charioteer to attack the enemy; and he
drove back all who opposed him, even Arjuna. The fighting became
general, nor did it end until night obscured the plain.
Bhima was the hero of the fourth day of battle. He swept against the
Kauravas like a whirlwind; in vain were darts thrown and arrows shot
at the strong Pandava. He wounded both Duryodhana and Salya, Rajah of
Sindhu. Then fourteen of Duryodhana's brethren rushed to combat with
him. Like the lion who licks his lips when he beholds his prey drawing
nigh, Bhima awaited them. Brief and terrible was the conflict, and
ere six princes fled in terror, eight were slaughtered by the mighty
Pandava.
Another day dawned, and Arjuna and Bhima advanced in triumph until they
were met and held back by Drona. Once again the sons of Duryodhana and
Arjuna sought out one another. Mighty were their blows and swift, and
for a time all men watched them, wondering greatly. At length Lakshmana
was grievously wounded, and was carried from the field by his kinsmen.
Abhimanyu returned in triumph to Yudhishthira. On that same day were
slain by Bhuri-sravas the ten great sons of Satyaki, Krishna's kinsman.
Another day dawned, and it was a day of peril for Bhima. Confident of
victory, he pressed too far into the midst of the Kaurava host, and was
surrounded by overwhelming numbers. Drupada perceived his peril and
hastened to help him, but neither could retreat. Then Arjuna's fearless
son, the slayer of Lakshmana, with twelve brave chieftains shattered
the Kaurava hosts and rescued Bhima and Drupada from the surging
warriors who thirsted for their blood.
The seventh day was the day of Bhishma. None could withstand him in
his battle fury. The Pandavas quailed before him, nor could Bhima or
Arjuna drive him back. Ere night fell, the standard of Yudhishthira was
cut down, and the Kauravas rejoiced greatly, believing that they would
achieve a great victory.
On the day that followed, however, the tide of battle turned. As
Bhishma advanced, his charioteer was slain, and the steeds took flight
in terror. Then confusion fell on the Kaurava army. For a time the
Pandavas made resistless advance amidst mighty slaughter. Then the six
Gandhari princes advanced to beat back the forces of Yudhishthira.
On milk-white steeds they rode, and they swept like to sea birds
across the ocean billows. They had vowed to slay Iravat, son of Arjuna
and the Naga princess. The gallant youth feared them not and fought
triumphantly, stirred with the joy of battle; he slew five of the
princes, but the sixth, the eldest prince, struck down Arjuna's son,
who was plucked thus rudely from life like to a fair and tender lotus.
Terrible was the grief of Arjuna when he was told that his son had
fallen. Then with tear-dimmed eyes he dashed upon the foe, thirsting
for vengeance; he broke through the Kaurava ranks, and Bhima, who
followed him, slew more of Duryodhana's brethren.
Bhima's terrible son, the Rakshasa Ghatotkacha, also sought to be
avenged when Iravat fell. Roaring like the sea, he assumed an awesome
shape, and advanced with flaming spears like the Destroyer at the end
of Time, followed by other Rakshasas. Warriors fled from his path,
until Duryodhana went against him with many elephants; but Ghatotkacha
scattered the elephant host. Duryodhana fought like a lion and slew
four Rakshasas, whereupon Bhima's son, raging furiously, his eyes red
as fire, dashed against Duryodhana; but that mighty Kaurava shot
arrows like angry snakes, and he wounded his enemy. Then a rajah
urged his elephant in front of Duryodhana's chariot for protection.
Ghatotkacha slew the great animal with a flaming dart. Next Bhishma
pressed forward with a division to shield Dhritarashtra's son, and the
Rakshasa fought fiercely; he wounded Kripa, and with an arrow severed
the string of Bhishma's bow. Then the Panchalas hastened to aid Bhima's
son, and the Kauravas were scattered in flight.
Duryodhana was stricken with sorrow, and went to the snow-white tent
of Bhishma that night and spoke, saying: “Forgive my harsh words, O
mighty chieftain. The Pandavas are brave in battle, but they are unable
to resist thee. If, however, thou dost love them too well to overcome
them utterly, let Karna take thy place, so that he may lead the hosts
against our enemies.”
Said Bhishma: “Alas! Duryodhana, thy struggle is of no avail. The just
cause must win; they who fight for the right are doubly armed. Besides,
Krishna is with the Pandavas: he drives Arjuna's car, and not even the
gods could strike them down. Thou art confronted by utter ruin, O proud
and foolish prince. I will fight as I have fought until the end, which
is not now far off.”
On the next day Bhishma was like a lordly elephant which treads down
the marsh reeds; he was like a fire which burns up a dry and withering
forest. In his chariot he advanced triumphantly, and great was the
carnage which he wrought.
Yudhishthira was in despair, and spake to Krishna when night fell.
Krishna said: “Bhishma has vowed that he will not slay one who had
been born a woman, knowing that the righteous would defame him if he
slew a female. Let Sikhandin[284] be therefore sent against him with
Arjuna.”
[284] A daughter of Drupada who exchanged her sex with a Yaksha. She
was a reincarnation of the Princess Amba of Kasi, who, with her two
sisters, was captured by Bhishma at the swayamvara. Her sisters were
the mothers of Pandu and Dhritarashtra.
Arjuna said: “Alas! I cannot fight behind another, or achieve the fall
of Bhishma by foul means. I loved him as a child; I sat upon his knee
and called him ‘Father’. Rather would I perish than slay the saintly
hero.”
Said Krishna: “It is fated that Bhishma will fall on the morrow, a
victim of wrong. As he hath fought against those whom he loveth, so
must thou, Arjuna, fight against him. He hath shown thee how Kshatriyas
must ever wage war, although their foemen be hated or well beloved.”
Arjuna, being thus admonished, went forth on the tenth day with
Sikhandin, born a woman and made a male by a Yaksha.
Once again Duryodhana sought to prevail upon Bhishma to give place to
Karna, and Bhishma answered him in anger: “This day will I overcome the
Pandavas or perish on the field of battle.”
Then the ancient hero advanced and challenged Arjuna. A terrible
conflict ensued, and it lasted for many hours; all the warriors on
either side stopped fighting and looked on. At length Sikhandin rushed
forward like a foaming billow, and when Bhishma saw him his arms fell,
for he could not contend against one who had been born a woman. Then
the arrows of Arjuna pierced Bhishma's body, and the peerless old hero
fell from his chariot wounded unto death.... The sun went down, and
darkness swept over the plain.
There was great sorrow on the blood-drenched plain that night. Arjuna
wept as a son weeps for a father, and he carried water to Bhishma.
Yudhishthira cursed the day on which the war began. To the dying
chieftain came Duryodhana and his brethren also. Friends and enemies
lamented together over the fallen hero.
Bhishma spake to Duryodhana, saying: “Hear the counsel of thy dying
kinsman; his voice speaketh as from the dead. If thy heart of stone can
be moved, thou wilt bring this slaughter of kinsmen by kinsmen to an
end now. Restore unto Yudhishthira his kingdom and make thy peace with
him, and let Pandavas and Kauravas be friends and comrades together.”
He spoke in vain, for his words stirred the heart of Duryodhana to hate
his kinsmen the Pandavas with a deeper hatred than before.
Karna came to the battlefield, and Bhishma said unto him: “Proud rivals
have we two been, jealous one of the other, and ever at strife. My
voice faileth, yet must I tell thee that Arjuna is not greater than
thou art on the battlefield. Nor is he of higher birth, for thou
art the son of Pritha and the sun god Surya. As Arjuna is thine own
brother, 'twould be well for thee to bring this strife to an end.”
But Bhishma spoke in vain. Karna hated his brother, and thirsted for
his life.
A guard was set round Bhishma, who lay supported by a pillow of arrows,
waiting the hour of his doom. Nor did he die until after the great
conflict was ended.
The Kauravas held a council of war, and they chose Drona to be their
leader. The battle standard of the Brahman was a water jar and a golden
altar upon a deerskin. He vowed before Duryodhana that he would take
Yudhishthira prisoner.
On the first day of Drona's command, and the eleventh day of the
great war, Abhimanyu was foremost in the fight. He dragged a chieftain
by the hair out of his chariot, and would have taken him prisoner,
but Jayadratha, the rajah who had endeavoured to abduct Draupadi,
intervened, and broke his sword upon the young man's buckler.
Jayadratha fled, and Salya, Rajah of Madra, attacked Arjuna's noble
son. But Bhima dashed forward and engaged him in fierce combat. Both
were mighty wielders of the mace; they were like two tigers, like
two great elephants; they were like eagles rending one another with
blood-red claws. The sound of their blows was like the echoing thunder,
and each stood as steadfast as a cliff which is struck in vain by fiery
lightning.... At length both staggered and fell, but Bhima at once
sprang up to strike the final blow. Ere he could accomplish his fierce
desire, however, Salya was rescued by his followers and carried to a
place of safety.... Thereafter the battle raged with more fury than
ever, until night fell and hid from sight all the dead and the living.
Drona sought to fulfil his vow on the second day of his command, and he
prompted Susarman, the rajah who had invaded Virata when the Pandavas
were servants there, to send a challenge for single combat to Arjuna.
Susarman selected a place apart. Arjuna fought many hours, until he put
the boastful rajah and his followers to flight; then he taunted them
for their cowardice. Meanwhile Drona had dashed upon Yudhishthira, who,
when confronted by certain downfall, leapt on the back of a swift steed
and escaped from the battlefield. But it was no shame for a Kshatriya
to flee before a Brahman.
Duryodhana went against Bhima: he was wounded after a brief combat, and
retreated from the field. Many warriors then pressed against Bhima,
but Arjuna had returned after fighting Susarman, and drove furiously
against the Kauravas; in triumph he swept over the blood-red plain.
Karna watched his rival with jealous wrath and entered the fray. The
fire burned redly in his eyes, and he attacked Arjuna, resolved to
conquer or to die. Uncertain and long was the conflict, and when night
fell the two great warriors withdrew reluctantly from the field.
Drona on the morrow arranged his army like to a spider's web, and
once again Susarman challenged Arjuna, so as to draw him from the
battle-front. It was the day of Abhimanyu's triumph and the day of
his death. Yudhishthira sent Arjuna's son to break the web of foemen,
and he rode his chariot against elephants and steeds with conquering
fury. Duryodhana attacked the youthful hero with a band of warriors,
but fell wounded by Abhimanyu, who also slew the warriors. Salya next
dashed against Arjuna's son, but ere long he was carried from the field
grievously wounded. Then Duhsasana came forward, frowning and fierce.
Abhimanyu cried out: “Base prince, who plotted with Shakuni to win the
kingdom of Yudhishthira and put Draupadi to shame, I welcome thee, for
I have waited long for thee. Now thou wilt receive meet punishment for
thy sins.”
As he spake, the fearless youth flung a dart, and Duhsasana fell
stunned and bleeding, but was rescued from death by his followers.
Proudly rode Lakshmana, son of Duryodhana, against Arjuna's son,
and fought bravely and well; but he was cut down, and died upon the
battlefield.
Then it was that the evil Jayadratha, who had vowed to be the slave
of Yudhishthira in the forest, advanced stealthily with six warriors
to fight with the lordly youth. Round him they surged like howling
billows; alone stood Abhimanyu, and seven were against him. His
charioteer was slain and his chariot was shattered; he leapt to the
ground and fought on, slaying one by one.... Perceiving his peril,
the Pandavas endeavoured to rescue Arjuna's son; but Jayadratha held
them back, and Karna aided him. At length Abhimanyu was wounded on
the forehead, blood streamed into his eyes and blinded him, and he
stumbled. Ere he could recover, the son of Duhsasana leapt forward and
dashed out his brains with a mace. So died the gallant youth, pure as
he was at birth. He died like to a forest lion surrounded by hunters;
he sank like to the red sun at evening; he perished like to a tempest
whose strength is spent; he was spent out even like a fire which has
consumed a forest and is extinguished on the plain; Abhimanyu was lost
as is the serene white moon when shrouded in black eclipse.
So that day's battle ended, and Abhimanyu slumbered in the soft
starlight, lifeless and cold.
When it was told to Arjuna that his son was slain, the mighty warrior
wept silently and lay upon the ground. At length he leapt up and
cried: “May the curse of a father and the vengeance of a warrior
smite the murderers of my boy!... May I never reach heaven if I do
not slay Jayadratha on the morrow....” A spy hastened to the camp of
the Kauravas and told of the vow which Arjuna had taken. Jayadratha
trembled with fear.
Early next morning Arjuna spake to Krishna, saying: “Drive swiftly, for
this will be a day of great slaughter.” He desired to find Jayadratha;
with him went Bhima and Satyaki. Many warriors engaged them in battle,
for the Kauravas hoped to contrive that the sun should go down ere
Arjuna could fulfil his terrible vow.
Mounted on an elephant, Duhsasana opposed Arjuna; but the lordly
tusker took flight when the rattling chariot drew nigh. Drona blocked
the way; but Arjuna refused combat, saying: “Thou art as a father
unto me.... Let me find the slayer of my son....” He passed on. Then
Duryodhana came up and engaged him. Karna fought with Bhima, and
Bhurisrava attacked Satyaki. Long waged the bitter conflicts, and at
length Krishna perceived that his kinsman was about to be slain. He
called to Arjuna, who cast a celestial weapon at Bhurisrava, which cut
off both his arms; then Satyaki slew him. Many warriors confronted
Arjuna thereafter, and many fell. But the day wore on and evening drew
nigh, and he could not find Jayadratha. At length Arjuna bade Krishna
to drive furiously onward, and to pause not until he found the slayer
of his son. The chariot sped like to a whirlwind, until at length
Arjuna beheld the evil-hearted Jayadratha; he was guarded by Karna and
five great warriors, and at that time the sun had begun to set.
Karna leapt forward and engaged Arjuna; but Krishna, by reason of his
divine power, caused a dark cloud to obscure the sun, whereupon all
men believed that night had fallen. Karna at once withdrew; but Arjuna
drove on, and as the sun shot forth its last ray of dazzling light, he
dashed upon Jayadratha as a falcon swoops down upon its prey. Brief
was the struggle, for ere daylight faded utterly, Arjuna overthrew
the slayer of his son and cut off his head. Bhima uttered a roar of
triumph when he saw the head of Jayadratha held aloft, and the Kauravas
sorrowed greatly because that their wicked design had been thwarted.
Night fell, but the fighting was renewed. In the darkness and confusion
men slew their kinsmen, fathers cut down their sons, and brothers
fought against brothers. Yudhishthira sent men with torches to light up
the blood-red plain, and the battle was waged for many hours. Swords
were splintered and spears were lost, and warriors threw great boulders
and chariot wheels against one another. All men were maddened with the
thirst for blood, and the night was filled with horrors.
At length Arjuna called for a truce, and it was agreed that the
warriors should sleep on the battlefield. So all lay down, the
charioteer in his chariot, the horseman on his steed, and the driver of
the elephant on his elephant's back....
Duryodhana reproached Drona because that he did not slay the Pandavas
in their sleep.... “Let Karna,” he said, “lead the hosts to victory.”
Said Drona: “Thou art reaping the red harvest of thy sins.... But know
now that on the morrow either Arjuna will fall or I will be slain by
him.”
When the bright moon rose in the heavens the conflict was renewed. Many
fell on that awful night. Ghatotkacha, the Rakshasa son of Bhima, was
foremost in the fray, and he slaughtered numerous Kaurava warriors. At
length Karna went against him, and then the air was filled with blazing
arrows. Each smote the other with powerful weapons, and for a time the
issue hung in the balance. Ghatotkacha created illusions, but Karna
kept his senses in that great fight, even after his steeds had been
slain; he leapt to the ground, then flung a celestial dart, the gift of
Indra, and Ghatotkacha, uttering terrible cries, fell down and breathed
his last breath. The Kauravas shouted with gladness, and the Pandavas
shed tears of sorrow.
Ere the night was ended, Drona slew his ancient enemy Drupada, Rajah of
Southern Panchala, and he cut down also the Rajah of Virata.
Ere dawn broke, Dhrishta-dyumna, son of Drupada, went forth to search
for Drona, the slayer of his beloved sire.
Said Bhima: “Thou art too young to strike down so great a warrior as
Drona. I will fight with him until he is wearied, then thou canst
approach and be avenged.”
Bhima struggled with the sage, his preceptor, for many hours; then
Dhrishta-dyumna engaged him, but neither could prevail over the slayer
of Drupada.
At length the Pandava warriors shouted falsely: “Aswatthaman, son of
Drona, is slain.”
When Drona heard the dread tidings, he fainted in his chariot, and
vengeful Dhrishta-dyumna rushed forward and cut off his head. Then the
son of Drupada threw the head of Drona towards Duryodhana, saying:
“Here is the head of thy mighty warrior; I will cut off the heads of
each Kaurava prince in like manner.”
The fall of Drona was like the sinking of heaven's sun; it was like the
drying up of the ocean; the Kauravas fled away in fear.
Terrible was the grief of Aswatthaman when he approached at eventide
and found that his sire had been slain. Night fell while he sorrowed,
and he vowed to slay Dhrishta-dyumna and all his kindred.
Karna was then chosen to be the leader of the Kaurava army, and
Duryodhana hailed him with joy and said: “Thou alone canst stem the
tide of our disasters. Arjuna hath been spared by Bhishma and by Drona
because that they loved him. But the arm of Karna is strengthened by
hatred of the proud Pandava archer.”
When morning broke over the plain of Kuru-kshetra, the first battle of
Karna began, and it continued all day long. Countless warriors were
slain; blood ran in streams, and the dead and mangled bodies of men and
elephants and horses were strewn in confusion. The air was darkened
with arrows and darts, and it rang with the shouts of the fighters and
the moans of the wounded, the bellowing of trumpets, and the clamour of
drums.
At length evening came on and the carnage ended.... Duryodhana summoned
a council of war and said: “This is the sixteenth day of the war,
and many of our strongest heroes have fallen. Bhishma and Drona have
fallen, and many of my brethren are now dead.”
Said Karna: “To-morrow will be the great day of the war. I have vowed
to slay Arjuna or fall by his hand.”
Duryodhana was cheered by Karna's words, and all the Kauravas were once
more hopeful of victory.
In the morning Karna went forth in his chariot. He chose for his driver
Salya, Rajah of Madra, whose skill was so great that even Krishna was
not his superior.
Arjuna was again engaged in combat with Susarman when Karna attacked
the Pandava army. So the son of Surya went against Yudhishthira and
cast him on the ground, saying: “If thou wert Arjuna I would slay thee.”
Bhima then attacked Karna, and they fought fiercely for a time, until
Arjuna, having overcome Susarman, returned again to combat with Karna.
Duhsasana, who put Draupadi to shame, came up to help Karna, and Bhima
sprang upon him. Now Bhima had long desired to meet this evil-hearted
son of the blind maharajah, so that he might fulfil his vow. He swung
his mace and struck so mighty a blow that the advancing chariot was
shattered. Duhsasana fell heavily upon the ground and broke his back.
Then Bhima seized him and, whirling his body aloft, cried out: “O
Kauravas, come ye who dare and rescue the helper of Karna.”
No one ventured to approach, and Bhima cast down Duhsasana's body, cut
off his head, and drank his blood as he had vowed to do. “Ho! ho!” he
cried, “never have I tasted a sweeter draught....”
Many Kaurava warriors fled, and they cried out: “This is not a man, for
he drinketh human blood.”
All men watched the deadly combat which was waged between the mighty
heroes Arjuna and Karna. They began by shooting arrows one at another,
while Krishna and Salya guided the chariots with prowess and care. The
arrows of Arjuna fell upon Karna like to summer rain; Karna's arrows
were like stinging snakes, and they drank blood. At length Arjuna's
celestial bow Gandiva was struck and the bowstring severed....
Arjuna said: “Pause, O Karna. According to the rules of battle, thou
canst not attack a disabled foeman.”
But Karna heeded not. He showered countless arrows, until his proud
rival was wounded grievously on the breast.
When Arjuna had restrung his bow, he rose up like to a stricken and
angry tiger held at bay, and cast a screen of arrows against his foe.
But Karna feared him not, nor could Arjuna bear him down. The issue
hung in the balance....
Then suddenly a wheel of Karna's chariot sank in the soft ground, nor
could Salya urge the horses to advance.
Karna cried out: “Pause now, O Arjuna, nor wage unequal war. It is not
manly to attack a helpless enemy.”
Arjuna paused; but Krishna spake quickly, saying: “O Karna, thou
speakest truly; but was it manly to shoot arrows at Arjuna whilst he
engaged himself restringing his bow? Was it manly to scoff at Draupadi
when she was put to shame before elders and princes in the gambling
hall? Was it manly of thee and six warriors to surround Abhimanyu so as
to murder him without compassion?”
When Arjuna heard his son's name, his heart burned with consuming
wrath. Snatching from his quiver a crescent-bladed arrow, he drew his
bow and shot it at Karna, whose head was immediately struck off.
So fell in that dread combat a brother by a brother's hand.
The Kauravas fled in terror when Karna was slain, and Kripa said unto
Duryodhana: “Now that our greatest warriors are dead, it would be well
to sue for peace.”
Said Duryodhana: “After the wrongs I have done the Pandavas, how can
I ask or expect mercy at their hands? Let the war go on till the end
comes.”
Salya was then chosen as the leader of the Kaurava army, which had
greatly shrunken in numbers, and on the morning of the eighteenth
day of the war the battle was waged with fury. But the Pandavas were
irresistible, and when Duryodhana perceived that they were sweeping all
before them, he fled away secretly, carrying his mace. He had power to
hide under water as long as he desired, by reason of a mighty charm
which had been conferred upon him by the demons; so he plunged into a
lake and lay concealed below the waters.
Salya was slain by Yudhishthira, and he fell like to a
thunder-splintered rock. Sahadeva overthrew false Shakuni, the gambler,
who had played against Yudhishthira with loaded dice, and Bhima cut
down all Duryodhana's brethren who had survived until that last
fateful day. Of all the Kaurava heroes there then remained alive only
Aswa-thaman, son of Drona, Kripa, and Kritavarman, and the hidden
Duryodhana.
At length Bhima discovered where Duryodhana was concealed.
Yudhishthira went to the lake side and urged him to come forth and
fight.
Said Duryodhana: “Take my kingdom now and have pleasure in it. Depart
and leave me, for I must retire to the jungle and engage in meditation.”
Yudhishthira said: “I cannot accept aught from thee except what is won
in battle.”
Said Duryodhana: “If you promise to fight one by one, I will come out
of the water and slay you all.”
Yudhishthira said: “Come forth, and the battle will be fought as thou
dost desire. Now thou hast spoken as becomes a Kshatriya.”
Still Duryodhana tarried, and Bhima shouted: “If thou dost not come out
of the lake at once, I will plunge in and drag thee to the shore.”
Then Duryodhana came forth, and the Pandavas laughed to see him, for he
was covered with mire, and water streamed down from his raiment.
Said Duryodhana: “Soon will your merriment be turned to grief.”
Now, all during the time of the Pandava exile, Duryodhana had practised
with the mace, so that he became the equal of Bhima. But he had no one
to support him there. The other survivors remained in hiding. Then
Balarama appeared, and he caused the combat to be waged in the middle
of the blood-red plain; he was Duryodhana's supporter.
The warriors fought like two fierce bulls, and smote one another heavy
blows, until their faces were reddened with blood. Once Duryodhana
almost achieved victory, for he struck Bhima on the head so that all
present thought that the Pandava hero had received his deathblow.
Bhima staggered but recovered himself, and soon afterwards he struck
Duryodhana a foul blow upon the knee, which smashed the bone so that
he fell prostrate. Thus was the vow of Bhima fulfilled....
He danced round Duryodhana a time, then, kicking his enemy's head,
cried out at length: “Draupadi is avenged.”
Yudhishthira was wroth; he smote Bhima on the face and said: “O
accursed villain, thou wilt cause all men to speak ill of us.”
Then Arjuna led Bhima away, and Yudhishthira knelt beside Duryodhana
and said: “Thou art still our ruler, and if thou wilt order me to slay
Bhima, thy command will be obeyed. Thou art now very nigh unto death,
and I sorrow for the Kaurava wives and children, who will curse us
because that thou hast been laid low.”
Said Balarama: “Bhima hath broken the laws of combat, for he smote
Duryodhana below the waist.”
Krishna said: “My brother, did not Duryodhana wrong the Pandavas with
foul play at dice? And did not Bhima, when he beheld Draupadi put to
shame, vow to break the knee of Duryodhana?”
Said Balarama: “So thou dost approve of this?... Can I forget that
Bhima kicked the head of our wounded kinsman, the rajah?”
Krishna stayed the vengeful hand of Balarama, and prevailed upon him to
take vows not to fight against the Pandavas.
When night fell, the dying Duryodhana was visited on the battlefield by
Aswatthaman, son of Drona, and Kripa, and Kritavarman. Unto Aswatthaman
he gave permission to attack the Pandavas while yet they slumbered....
Then Drona's son went forth in the darkness to glut his hunger for
vengeance because that his sire had been slain.... The pale stars
looked down on the dead and the dying as Aswatthaman crossed the
battleplain and went stealthily towards the tents of his foemen, with
Kripa and Kritavarman.
At the gate of the Pandava camp an awful figure rose up against
the conspirators. Aswatthaman was not afraid, and he fought with
his adversary until he perceived that he was the god Shiva, the
Blue-throated Destroyer. Then Drona's son drew back, and on an altar
he kindled a fire to worship the all-powerful deity. Then, having
naught else to sacrifice, he cast his own body upon the flames. By this
supremely pious act Shiva was propitiated; he accepted Drona's son and
entered his body, saying: “Hitherto, for the sake of Krishna, have I
protected the sons of Draupadi, but now their hour of doom hath come.”
Then Aswatthaman rushed into the camp and slaughtered with the cruel
arm of vengeance. Rudely he awakened Dhrishta-dyumna, who cried out:
“Coward! wouldst thou attack a naked man?”
Aswatthaman answered not his father's slayer, but took his life with
a single blow.... Through the camp he went, striking down each one he
met, and shrieks and moans arose on every side.
Draupadi was awakened by the clamour, and her five young sons sprang up
to protect her. Aswatthaman slew each one without pity.... Then he lit
a great fire to discover those who had concealed themselves, and with
reeking hands he completed his ghastly work of slaughter. Meanwhile
Kripa and Kritavarman, with weapons in their hands, kept watch at the
gate, and cut down all who endeavoured to escape.
Now the Pandava princes slept safely on that night of horror in the
camp of the Kauravas, so that they escaped the sword of Drona's son.
When his fell work was accomplished, the bloodthirsty Aswatthaman
cut off the heads of Draupadi's five sons and carried them to
Duryodhana, who rejoiced greatly, believing that they were the heads
of Yudhishthira and his brethren. But when he perceived that the
avenger of night had slain the children of Draupadi instead, he cried
out: “Alas! what horror hast thou committed? Thou hast slain innocent
children, who, had they lived, would have perpetuated our name and
our fame. My heart burns with anger against the sires and not their
harmless sons.”
Duryodhana groaned heavily: his heart was oppressed with grief, and,
bowing down his head, he died sorrowing.
Then Aswatthaman and Kripa and Kritavarman fled away, fearing the wrath
of the Pandavas.