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{{For|the urban-type settlement in Sverdlovsk Oblast, Russia|Shalya (urban-type settlement)}}
{{For|the urban-type settlement in Sverdlovsk Oblast, Russia|Shalya (urban-type settlement)}}
{{Infobox character
{{Infobox character
| color = #FFC569
| info-hdr = Information
| info-hdr = Information
| image = Shalya becomes commander in chief.jpg
| image = Duryodhana and Salya.jpg
| caption = Duryodhan recruiting Shalya for his army, an illustration from ''[[Razmnama]]'', the Persian translation of the ''Mahabharata''
| caption = Shalya becomes commander in chief of the Kaurava side
| weapon = [[Spear]] and [[Gada (mace)|Gada]]
| weapon = [[Spear]] and [[Gada (mace)|Gada]]
*Spouse* = Avantini, Princess of Avanti
| children = Rukmangada, Rukmaratha and Madranjaya.
| children = Rukmangada, Rukmaratha and Madranjaya.
| relatives = [[Nakula]] and [[Sahadeva]] (nephews), [[Pandu]] (brother in law)
| relatives = [[Nakula]] and [[Sahadeva]] (nephews), [[Pandu]] (brother-in-law)
| spouse =
| spouse =
| family = [[Madri]] (younger sister)
| family = [[Madri]] (younger sister) Madrasena (younger brother who participated in war with Shalya) Dyutimat (whose daughter Vijaya married Sahadev, and served as Regent during the war and ruled briefly after the war)
}}
}}


In the [[Mahakavya|Hindu epic]] ''[[Mahabharata]]'', King '''Shalya''' ({{lang-sa|शल्य}}, lit. ''pointed weapon'') was the brother of [[Madri]] (mother of [[Nakula]] and [[Sahadeva]]), and the ruler of the Madra kingdom. Skilled with the mace and a formidable warrior, he was tricked by [[Duryodhana]] to fight the war on the side of the [[Kauravas]]. He was encouraged to serve as the charioteer of [[Karna]] by Yudhisthira to dissuade the former from combat. Shalya was an incredibly calm and deliberate fighter, his level-headedness and prowess in warfare making him a great warrior in spite of his slight build.<ref name="Ganguly">{{cite web |last = Ganguly|first =Kisari|title=The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/index.htm}}</ref>
In the [[Mahakavya|Hindu epic]] ''[[Mahabharata]]'', King '''Shalya''' ({{lang-sa|शल्य}}, lit. ''pointed weapon'') was the brother of [[Madri]] (mother of [[Nakula]] and [[Sahadeva]]), and the ruler of the Madra kingdom. Skilled with the mace and a formidable warrior, he was tricked by [[Duryodhana]] to fight the war on the side of the [[Kauravas]]. He was encouraged to serve as the charioteer of [[Karna]] by Duryodhana. Shalya was an incredibly calm and deliberate fighter, his level-headedness and prowess in warfare making him a great warrior in spite of his slight build.<ref name="Ganguly">{{cite web |last = Ganguly|first =Kisari|title=The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/index.htm}}</ref>


==Becoming Pandu's brother-in-law==
==Becoming Pandu's brother-in-law==


On his way to [[Hastinapur]], [[Pandu|King Pandu]] encountered Shalya's army. At parlay, Shalya and his general met with Pandu; Pandu was very impressed by Shalya's slight general and became friends. [[Bhishma]], head of Pandu's family, came to know about Shalya's beautiful sister, [[Mādrī]] and decided to arrange Pandu's second marriage with Madri. Shalya agreed and was gifted with golds and jewels from [[Hastinapur]].<ref name="Ganguly"/><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.manushi-india.org/pdfs_issues/PDF%20143/05%20Panchkanya%2025-33%20%202-9.pdf|title=Kunti|access-date=10 January 2013|publisher=Manushi India Organization}}</ref><ref>Puranic Encyclopaedia by Vettam Mani</ref>
On his way to [[Hastinapur]]a, [[Pandu|King Pandu]] encountered Shalya's army. At parlay, Shalya and his general met with Pandu; Pandu was very impressed by Shalya's slight general and became friends. [[Bhishma]], head of Pandu's family, learned of Shalya's beautiful sister, [[Mādrī]] and decided to arrange Pandu's second marriage with Madri. Shalya agreed and was gifted with gold and jewels from [[Hastinapur]]a.<ref name="Ganguly"/><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.manushi-india.org/pdfs_issues/PDF%20143/05%20Panchkanya%2025-33%20%202-9.pdf|title=Kunti|access-date=10 January 2013|publisher=Manushi India Organization}}</ref><ref>Puranic Encyclopaedia by Vettam Mani</ref>


===Attempting to make Nakula and Sahadeva his heirs===
===Attempt to make Nakula and Sahadeva his heirs===


Years after Madri had decided to self immolate herself, Shalya invited his nephews Nakula and Sahadeva to Madra, wishing to make them his heirs. On their eighteenth birthday, Shalya revealed his intention to the twins. Shalya argued that Nakula could be a king one day, instead of fourth-in-line to the throne of Hastinapur, provided that [[Yudhishthira]] would be named the [[crown prince]]. Nakula supposed that Shalya only wished to anoint Nakula and Sahadeva as his heirs because they were both [[Divine filiation|children of God]], and that Shalya was rejecting his own children from the line of succession with this gambit.<ref name="Ganguly"/> Nakula admitted that while Sahadeva and he staying with the Pandavas would give them no power, his brothers and [[Kunti]] genuinely loved him, and would never try to make Nakula and Sahadeva their pawns. After some deliberation, Nakula was convinced that Shalya had no ulterior motives. Sahadeva and he agreed to become the heirs to Shalya's throne, on the condition that they would always stay with the rest of the Pandavas.<ref>Rajagopalachari, C. (. (1970). Mahabharata (10th ed.). Bombay : Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan</ref>
Years after Madri had decided to self-immolate herself, Shalya invited his nephews Nakula and Sahadeva to Madra, wishing to make them his heirs. On their eighteenth birthday, Shalya revealed his intention to the twins. Shalya argued that Nakula could be a king one day, instead of fourth-in-line to the throne of Hastinapura, provided that [[Yudhishthira]] would be named the [[crown prince]]. Nakula supposed that Shalya only wished to anoint Nakula and Sahadeva as his heirs because they were both [[Ashvins|children of deities]], and that Shalya was rejecting his own children from the line of succession with this gambit.<ref name="Ganguly"/> Nakula admitted that while Sahadeva and he staying with the Pandavas would give them no power, his brothers and [[Kunti]] genuinely loved him, and would never try to make Nakula and Sahadeva their pawns. After some deliberation, Nakula was convinced that Shalya had no ulterior motives. Sahadeva and he agreed to become the heirs to Shalya's throne, on the condition that they would always stay with the rest of the Pandavas.<ref>Rajagopalachari, C. (. (1970). Mahabharata (10th ed.). Bombay : Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan</ref>


==Kurukshetra War==
==Kurukshetra War==
===Falling prey to Duryodhana's trick===
===Falling prey to Duryodhana's trick===
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. Impressed, Shalya is generous with his praise and asks to see [[Yudhishthira]], who Shalya thought was his host. When Duryodhana reveals the treachery, Shalya is astounded but is compelled to grant a boon due to the hospitality. Unable to turn down Duryodhana's request to join the [[Kauravas]], Shalya met the [[Pandavas]] and apologized for his mistake. [[Nakula]] and [[Sahadeva]] became enraged, saying that Shalya had truly proven that Nakula and Sahadeva weren't real brothers to the Pandavas, but only [[Stepfamily|step-brothers]]. Yudhishthira quickly stepped in and reprimanded the twins, commanding that they were never to again cheapen their relationship by saying they were "step" brothers. At this point, Shalya realised he had underestimated their brotherly bond. Yudhishthira promised to Shalya that he will kill him in war.
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. Impressed, Shalya was generous with his praise and asks to see [[Yudhishthira]], who Shalya thought was his host. When Duryodhana revealed the treachery, Shalya is astounded but is compelled to grant a boon due to the hospitality. Unable to turn down Duryodhana's request to join the [[Kauravas]], Shalya met the [[Pandavas]] and apologised for his mistake. [[Nakula]] and [[Sahadeva]] grew enraged, saying that Shalya had truly proven that Nakula and Sahadeva were not real brothers to the Pandavas, but only [[Stepfamily|step-brothers]]. Yudhishthira quickly stepped in and reprimanded the twins, commanding that they were never to again cheapen their relationship by saying they were "step" brothers. At this point, Shalya realised that he had underestimated their brotherly bond. Yudhishthira promised to Shalya that he would kill him during the eve of the war.


=== Yudhisthira's plan against Karna ===
=== Yudhisthira's plan against Karna ===
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. Yudhisthira feared that Karna could single-handedly kill the Pandavas. In other to dissuade him from combat, Shalya was requested by Yudhishthira to heap praises on his brothers in order to infuriate Karna, to distract him on the field of battle.<ref>{{cite book|last=Menon|first=[translated by] Ramesh|title=The Mahabharata : a modern rendering|year=2006|publisher=iUniverse, Inc.|location=New York|isbn=9780595401888}}</ref><ref>Shalya giving boon to Yudhisthira http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06043.htm</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite book|last=Menon|first=[translated by] Ramesh|title=The Mahabharata : a modern rendering|year=2006|publisher=iUniverse, Inc.|location=New York|isbn=9780595401888}}</ref><ref>Shalya giving boon to Yudhisthira http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06043.htm</ref>


===1st-13th days===
===1st-13th days===


Though not spirited in his fight, Shalya confronted many great warriors during the war. On the first day he attacks Yudishthira and snaps his bow. However, Yudishthira takes another bow and wounds Shalya. Shalya killed [[Uttara (Mahabharata)|Uttar Kumara]] on the first day of the war. He killed the boy with his spear after a fantastic duel, and subsequently hailed his brave death. On the second day, his eldest son Madranjaya is killed by Virata as revenge for Uttara.<ref>{{cite book|last=Menon|first=[translated by] Ramesh|title=The Mahabharata : a modern rendering|year=2006|publisher=iUniverse, Inc.|location=New York|isbn=9780595401888|page=151}}</ref>
Though not spirited in his fight, Shalya confronted many great warriors during the war. On the first day, he attacks Yudhishthira and snaps his bow. However, Yudhishthira takes another bow and wounds Shalya. Shalya killed [[Uttara (Mahabharata)|Uttara Kumara]] on the first day of the war. He killed the boy with his spear after a fantastic duel, and subsequently hailed his brave death. On the second day, his eldest son Madranjaya is killed by Virata as revenge for Uttara.<ref>{{cite book|last=Menon|first=[translated by] Ramesh|title=The Mahabharata : a modern rendering|year=2006|publisher=iUniverse, Inc.|location=New York|isbn=9780595401888|page=151}}</ref>


===13th-17th days===
===13th-17th days===
On the 13th day, Shalya's sons Rukmangada and Rukmaratha were killed by [[Abhimanyu]]. On the 14th day, he tries to stop Arjuna’s advance towards Jayadratha but is defeated. During the night battle at the end of the day, he vanquishes Virata and makes him flee.
On the 13th day, Shalya's sons Rukmangada and Rukmaratha were killed by [[Abhimanyu]]; Shalya himself is helpless against Abhimanyu's attacks. On the 14th day, he tries to stop Arjuna’s advance towards Jayadratha but is defeated; injured so badly that he cannot even sit down. During the night battle at the end of the day, he vanquishes Virata and makes him flee.


===Karna's charioteer===
===Karna's charioteer===
[[File:Shalya insulting Karna by telling the story of a swan and crow.jpg|thumb|Shalya insulting Karna by telling the story of a swan and crow.]]


On 17th day of battle, Karna defeated, but spared the lives of [[Nakula]] and [[Sahadeva]], stating that they are younger and not his equals, therefore not deserving of death by his hands. He proceeded to clash with Arjuna, having previously promised Kunti that he would attempt to slay any Pandava except Arjuna. The Karna-Arjuna duel began. During the course of the battle, Karna invoked the Ashwasena snake on his arrow and directed it towards [[Arjuna]]. Shalya interrupted him, encouraging Karna to aim at Arjuna's chest instead. Due to the deceptive nature of Shalya, Karna surmised that this advice must be inaccurate, and aimed the arrow towards Arjuna's head. [[Krishna]], knowing that Ashwasena was on the arrow, drove Arjuna's chariot into the earth, saving him from his otherwise inevitable doom.
On 16th day of battle, Karna defeated, but spared the lives of [[Nakula]] and [[Sahadeva]], stating that they are younger and not his equals, therefore not deserving of death by his hands. He proceeded to clash with Arjuna, having previously promised Kunti that he would not attempt to slay any Pandava except Arjuna. During the course of the battle, Karna invoked the Ashwasena snake on his arrow and directed it towards [[Arjuna]]. However, Shalya advised him to follow it up with another arrow. Karna disregarded his advice, and aimed the arrow towards Arjuna's head. [[Krishna]] drove Arjuna's chariot into the earth, saving Arjuna's life.<ref>https://sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08090.htm</ref>


After the death of Karna, Shalya felt immense remorse for the former and swore to fight on in his name on the eighteenth day of the war. Duryodhana subsequently named Shalya as the new commander-in-chief of the Kaurava forces.<ref>Meiland, J. (2005). Śalya; Vol. 1. New York: New York Univ. Press.</ref>
On the 17th day, unarmed and on foot, Karna is killed by Arjuna. After Karna's demise, Shalya would console the grieving Duryodhana by reminding him that Karna's death was inevitable.<ref>https://sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08092.htm</ref> Duryodhana subsequently named Shalya as the new commander-in-chief of the Kaurava forces.<ref>https://sacred-texts.com/hin/m09/m09006.htm</ref>


== Death ==
== Death ==


After Shalya is named the new commander-in-chief for the Kaurava forces, [[Krishna]] suggested that [[Yudhishthira]] should kill the powerful warrior, as the eldest Pandava was not a man of aggression and could meet Shalya's aggressive demeanor in battle. Yudhishthira engages Shalya in an long archery duel. With the assistance of Bhima, Yudhishthira deprives Shalya of his charioteer and horses. In a fit of rage, Shalya rushes towards Yudhishthira with a sword and shield in hand. Using his arrows, Bhima destroys Shalya’s weapons but Shalya undeterred by this, proceeds towards Yudhishthira with the intent of killing him with his bare hands. Yudhishthira hurls a spear which belonged to [[Shiva]] at Shalya which pierces his chest, killing him instantly. <ref>https://sacred-texts.com/hin/m09/m09017.htm</ref>
[[File:Yudhistira hits Shalya with arrow of Shakti.jpg|thumb|Yudhishthira kills Shalya with the shakti spear of Shiva]]
After becoming named the new commander-in-chief, Shalya became impassioned to fight for the [[Kaurava]] cause. [[Krishna]] suggested that [[Yudhishthira]] should kill the powerful warrior, as the eldest Pandava was not a man of aggression and could meet Shalya's calm demeanour in battle. As soon as the battle started, Yudishthira, Nakula, Sahadeva and Bhima attack Shalya but they are defeated by him in no time. They attack him again, this time with Satyaki, Dhrishtadyumna and Shikandi but Shalya easily defeats them all again. They tried various tricks on Shalya but he defeated them each time. After that, he and Bhima fight each other and both become unconscious. When Shalya recovers, Yudishthira challenged Shalya. Shalya was subsequently slain by Yudhishthira in spear-combat. Honouring their word to Shalya, Nakula and Sahadeva ascended the throne of the Madra kingdom.<ref>{{cite book|last=Srivastava|first=Vishnulok Bihari|title=Dictionary of Indology|year=2009|publisher=Hindoology Books|location=New Delhi|isbn=9788122310849}}</ref>


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 18:56, 15 March 2024

For the urban-type settlement in Sverdlovsk Oblast, Russia, see Shalya (urban-type settlement).
Shalya
Duryodhan recruiting Shalya for his army, an illustration from Razmnama, the Persian translation of the Mahabharata
Information
WeaponSpear and Gada
FamilyMadri (younger sister)
ChildrenRukmangada, Rukmaratha and Madranjaya.
RelativesNakula and Sahadeva (nephews), Pandu (brother-in-law)

In the Hindu epic Mahabharata, King Shalya (Sanskrit: शल्य, lit. pointed weapon) was the brother of Madri (mother of Nakula and Sahadeva), and the ruler of the Madra kingdom. Skilled with the mace and a formidable warrior, he was tricked by Duryodhana to fight the war on the side of the Kauravas. He was encouraged to serve as the charioteer of Karna by Duryodhana. Shalya was an incredibly calm and deliberate fighter, his level-headedness and prowess in warfare making him a great warrior in spite of his slight build.[1]

Becoming Pandu's brother-in-law

On his way to Hastinapura, King Pandu encountered Shalya's army. At parlay, Shalya and his general met with Pandu; Pandu was very impressed by Shalya's slight general and became friends. Bhishma, head of Pandu's family, learned of Shalya's beautiful sister, Mādrī and decided to arrange Pandu's second marriage with Madri. Shalya agreed and was gifted with gold and jewels from Hastinapura.[1][2][3]

Attempt to make Nakula and Sahadeva his heirs

Years after Madri had decided to self-immolate herself, Shalya invited his nephews Nakula and Sahadeva to Madra, wishing to make them his heirs. On their eighteenth birthday, Shalya revealed his intention to the twins. Shalya argued that Nakula could be a king one day, instead of fourth-in-line to the throne of Hastinapura, provided that Yudhishthira would be named the crown prince. Nakula supposed that Shalya only wished to anoint Nakula and Sahadeva as his heirs because they were both children of deities, and that Shalya was rejecting his own children from the line of succession with this gambit.[1] Nakula admitted that while Sahadeva and he staying with the Pandavas would give them no power, his brothers and Kunti genuinely loved him, and would never try to make Nakula and Sahadeva their pawns. After some deliberation, Nakula was convinced that Shalya had no ulterior motives. Sahadeva and he agreed to become the heirs to Shalya's throne, on the condition that they would always stay with the rest of the Pandavas.[4]

Kurukshetra War

Falling prey to Duryodhana's trick

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. Impressed, Shalya was generous with his praise and asks to see Yudhishthira, who Shalya thought was his host. When Duryodhana revealed the treachery, Shalya is astounded but is compelled to grant a boon due to the hospitality. Unable to turn down Duryodhana's request to join the Kauravas, Shalya met the Pandavas and apologised for his mistake. Nakula and Sahadeva grew enraged, saying that Shalya had truly proven that Nakula and Sahadeva were not real brothers to the Pandavas, but only step-brothers. Yudhishthira quickly stepped in and reprimanded the twins, commanding that they were never to again cheapen their relationship by saying they were "step" brothers. At this point, Shalya realised that he had underestimated their brotherly bond. Yudhishthira promised to Shalya that he would kill him during the eve of the war.

Yudhisthira's plan against Karna

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.[5][6]

1st-13th days

Though not spirited in his fight, Shalya confronted many great warriors during the war. On the first day, he attacks Yudhishthira and snaps his bow. However, Yudhishthira takes another bow and wounds Shalya. Shalya killed Uttara Kumara on the first day of the war. He killed the boy with his spear after a fantastic duel, and subsequently hailed his brave death. On the second day, his eldest son Madranjaya is killed by Virata as revenge for Uttara.[7]

13th-17th days

On the 13th day, Shalya's sons Rukmangada and Rukmaratha were killed by Abhimanyu; Shalya himself is helpless against Abhimanyu's attacks. On the 14th day, he tries to stop Arjuna’s advance towards Jayadratha but is defeated; injured so badly that he cannot even sit down. During the night battle at the end of the day, he vanquishes Virata and makes him flee.

Karna's charioteer

On 16th day of battle, Karna defeated, but spared the lives of Nakula and Sahadeva, stating that they are younger and not his equals, therefore not deserving of death by his hands. He proceeded to clash with Arjuna, having previously promised Kunti that he would not attempt to slay any Pandava except Arjuna. During the course of the battle, Karna invoked the Ashwasena snake on his arrow and directed it towards Arjuna. However, Shalya advised him to follow it up with another arrow. Karna disregarded his advice, and aimed the arrow towards Arjuna's head. Krishna drove Arjuna's chariot into the earth, saving Arjuna's life.[8]

On the 17th day, unarmed and on foot, Karna is killed by Arjuna. After Karna's demise, Shalya would console the grieving Duryodhana by reminding him that Karna's death was inevitable.[9] Duryodhana subsequently named Shalya as the new commander-in-chief of the Kaurava forces.[10]

Death

After Shalya is named the new commander-in-chief for the Kaurava forces, Krishna suggested that Yudhishthira should kill the powerful warrior, as the eldest Pandava was not a man of aggression and could meet Shalya's aggressive demeanor in battle. Yudhishthira engages Shalya in an long archery duel. With the assistance of Bhima, Yudhishthira deprives Shalya of his charioteer and horses. In a fit of rage, Shalya rushes towards Yudhishthira with a sword and shield in hand. Using his arrows, Bhima destroys Shalya’s weapons but Shalya undeterred by this, proceeds towards Yudhishthira with the intent of killing him with his bare hands. Yudhishthira hurls a spear which belonged to Shiva at Shalya which pierces his chest, killing him instantly. [11]

References

  1. ^ a b c Ganguly, Kisari. "The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa".
  2. ^ "Kunti" (PDF). Manushi India Organization. Retrieved 10 January 2013.
  3. ^ Puranic Encyclopaedia by Vettam Mani
  4. ^ Rajagopalachari, C. (. (1970). Mahabharata (10th ed.). Bombay : Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
  5. ^ Menon, [translated by] Ramesh (2006). The Mahabharata : a modern rendering. New York: iUniverse, Inc. ISBN 9780595401888.
  6. ^ Shalya giving boon to Yudhisthira http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06043.htm
  7. ^ Menon, [translated by] Ramesh (2006). The Mahabharata : a modern rendering. New York: iUniverse, Inc. p. 151. ISBN 9780595401888.
  8. ^ https://sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08090.htm
  9. ^ https://sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08092.htm
  10. ^ https://sacred-texts.com/hin/m09/m09006.htm
  11. ^ https://sacred-texts.com/hin/m09/m09017.htm
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