Whenever we discuss about Mahabharata, we discuss same characters again & again. I thought we should discuss about lesser known but significant characters.
My #thread on Shalya, he was Charioteer of Karna & how he played an important role in the duel between Arjun & Karna. 👇🏼
Shalya was King of province called Madra. He was also known as Madra Naresh and he was the brother of Queen Madri, 2nd wife of King Pandu & Maternal Uncle of Nakul & Sahdev.
Pandavas called him Mama. Mama Shalya had pledged his supports to Pandavas, but then comes a twist.
Pandavas had gathered 7 Akshauhini Sena, while Kauravas had 9 Akshauhini Sena
According to epic Mahabarta, one Akshauhini contains four different types of armed forces
21,870 chariots
21,870 elephants
65,616 horses
109350 infantry
Pandavas knew Shalya has 2 Akshauhini Sena
With Mama Shalya joining Pandavas, things would have been squared at 9 Akshauhini Sena each. But Shakuni tricked him.
While Shalya was travelling towards Kurukshetra, Shakuni arranged excellent hospitality for him along the road for him & his Sena. Shalya was highly impressed.
Shalya was under the impression that this has been arranged by Yudhistir. After Madri went Sati, Nakul & Sahdev lived with Kunti instead of living with their uncle. Hence Shalya barely got chance to meet his nephews
He met Duryodhana on his arrival & he thought it was Yudhistir