With the rank and file of the Kaurava army decimated towards the end of the eighteen-day conflict, the advantage shifts to the Pandavas. It is the last day of the war and Shalya, the king of Madra, is appointed as the commander of the Kaurava army. No novice with the spear, Shalya is one of those commanders whose choice is driven more by circumstances than merit.
The fighting prowess of the Kauravas is significantly diminished with the exit of stalwarts like Bhishma, Dronacharya and Karna. Relationships dissolve in the battlefield and what matters is victory. The fact that shalya is Nakul’s maternal uncle hardly matters as he is being pursued by Yudhishtir.
Spears in hand, the two face off, resulting in the death of Shalya. The nimble-fingered Shakuni meets his match in Sahadev and dies, sword in hand instead of the dice. Amongst the Kauravas, those who survive are Ashwathama, Kripacharya, Duryodhan and Kritavarma.
Defeat looming large, the beleaguered Duryodhan flees…