Udyogaparwa: The Failed Diplomacy Path to the Great Kurukshetra War
The Pandavas return after 13 years of exile and demand their rights from Duryodhana. Krishna helps the Pandavas, offering a peaceful solution, but Duryodhana vehemently refuses. Preparations for the great war of Kurukshetra begin, involving the Pandavas and the Kauravas. This battle will decide the fate of the Kuru dynasty.
Udyogaparwa, the fifth part of the Mahabharata, begins after the Pandavas have completed 13 years of exile. Feeling that it was time for them to claim back the kingdom that was unjustly seized by Duryodhana. Yudhishthira, as the eldest brother of the Pandavas, felt that conflict should be avoided as much as possible. However, he also understood that they had to be firm. So, the Pandavas sent a messenger to Duryodhana.
Illustration of Duryodhana sitting on his throne with an arrogant expression (Source: Personal Collection)
When the Pandavas’s messenger arrived in Hastinapura, Duryodhana haughtily refused their request, feeling that his power should not be disturbed. Although his advisors, such as Bhishma and Vidura, suggested being diplomatic and giving a little territory to the Pandavas to avoid war, Duryodhana remained stubborn. To him, giving up land was a sign of weakness, and he vowed not to give an inch.
llustration of Krishna on his way to Hastinapura (Source: Private Collection)
Seeing this situation, the Pandavas realized the need for stronger efforts to prevent war and sought the help of Krishna, who was respected by both sides. Krishna agreed to be a peace envoy and traveled to Hastinapura, hoping to resolve the conflict through negotiation. He believed war could be avoided if Duryodhana accepted the Pandavas' request, even offering them a fair settlement of five villages.
Upon his arrival at the Hastinapura palace, Krishna was respectfully welcomed by the elders of the Kuru family, such as Bhishma, Drona, and Vidura. During the meeting, Krishna wisely conveyed that the Pandavas did not want great wealth or power, but only their basic rights as the heirs of Kuru. He also emphasized that peace was more valuable than war, which would only divide their extended family.
As Krishna spoke with Duryodhana, an argument occur. Duryodhana arrogantly rejected all negotiations, convinced that power was his absolute right and the Pandavas deserved nothing. When Krishna proposed giving five small villages, Duryodhana sarcastically replied that he would not give even the tip of a needle's worth of land, affirming his preference for war.
Seeing the stubborn Duryodhana, Krishna manifested His majestic form as Vishnu before the Kurava leaders, the god who is in control of the universe. In the hope of changing Duryodhana's heart and preventing war. However, Duryodhana remained indifferent, deterred by his hatred and pride from accepting wisdom and truth.
Illustration of The Pandavas preparing for war (Source: Personal Collection)
Back on the Pandavas' side, preparations for war began to be mobilized after diplomacy failed. Yudhishthira and his brothers started gathering their forces. They formed alliances with major kings across the country, including the kings of Panchala and Matsya. The support of these allies would be crucial for the Pandavas in facing the mighty forces of the Kuravas, who were backed by many other kingdoms.
On the Kurava side, Duryodhana also mobilized a large force. One of his main moves was to ask Bhishma, the grandfather of both sides, to become the commander of the Kurava army. Bhishma, despite loving the Pandavas and knowing that they were on the right side, remained loyal to the kingdom of Hastinapura and felt bound by his oath to serve the king. Reluctantly, Bhishma accepted this role, even though it broke his heart to see his family involved in the war.
Meanwhile, Karna, Duryodhana's loyal friend, was offended that Bhishma was chosen as the commander. Karna had always had a personal conflict with Bhishma, and he felt that he was more worthy of leading the Kuravas. However, Bhishma declared that Karna would not fight as long as he was alive. This created an internal conflict in the Kurava camp, which despite appearing strong, began to show signs of disunity.
Dhrishtadyumna appointed as the commander (Source: Personal Collection)
On the Pandavas' side, preparations involved not only military strategy, but also efforts to maintain troop morale. Yudhishthira, Arjuna, Bhima, Nakula, and Sahadeva, with Krishna's support, strengthened the unity among their allies. They also appointed Dhrishtadyumna, Drupada's son, as their commander. Dhrishtadyumna was chosen because of his outstanding military abilities and because he was destined to kill Drona, the guru who became the great commander of the Kuravas.
Kurukshetra which became a battlefield (Source: Personal Collection)
When both sides were fully prepared, envoys from both camps were sent to determine the day of battle. In this meeting, it was decided that the battlefield would be on the plains of Kurukshetra, a place that had long been considered holy ground. Although Kurukshetra is full of religious significance, it would soon witness one of the battles in the history of the Mahabharata epic.
The Pandavas, led by Yudhishthira, believed they were fighting for justice, while the Kuravas, under Duryodhana, felt strength and power were their right. After all the preparations were complete, Udyogaparwa reached its climax when the two sides were ready to meet on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, a battle that would not only be a physical conflict, but also moral, ethical, and honorable, that would decide the fate of the Kuru dynasty and the course of ancient Indian history.
