Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c10.s3.t6.5

v2.c10.s3.t6.5

Mahabharata is situated in the period of a national war in Indian society forming the background. It mainly describes war between two descendants of Bharata - Pandava and Kaurava, who fight for the throne. Bharata was a famous ancient king with two sons, Dhritarastra and Pandu. Dhritarastra had 100 sons known as Kauravas, while Pandu had five sons known as Pandavas. After Pandu's death, Dhritarastra inherited the throne. Yudhisthira, the eldest son of Pandu, wanted to win back the throne after he grew up. But Duryodhana, the eldest son of Dhritarastra refused. Hence, both sides declared war against each other. The bitter war lasted for 18 days in Kurukshetra near Delhi. Ultimately, the Pandavas won the war. The Kauravas were defeated with only the eldest son and three soldiers surviving. Three warriors attack the barracks of the Pandavas in the middle of the night, and kill all soldiers. Due to the absence of five sons of Pandavas, they survive. Yudhisthira ascends the throne and then goes to heaven.