Shalya (, lit. Pike) is a major character in the Mahabharata, one of two Sanskrit epics of Ancient India. He was a powerful king from the Bahlika clan, ruling over the Madra kingdom in the Northwest region of the Indian subcontinent. Although he was the brother of Madri, the wife of Pandu, Shalya sided with the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra War. Despite his allegiance, he supported the Pandavas and wished for their victory. While he initially fought as a key warrior for the Kauravas, he was made Karna’s charioteer and, following Karna’s death, was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Kaurava forces. Shalya was killed by the eldest Pandava, Yudhishthira.
Epithets
Shalya is referred to by various epithets, including: (Adi Parva, Chapter 112).
Shalya was present at the svayamvara of Draupadi alongside his sons, Rukmangada and Rukmaratha (Adi Parva, Chapter 185, Verse 18). However, he withdrew from the contest after failing to string the bow (Adi Parva, Chapter 186, Verse 28). Bhima later defeated him at the wedding (Adi Parva, Chapter 189, Verse 23).
Despite aligning with the Kauravas, Shalya secretly wished for the Pandavas' victory (Bhishma Parva). 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. He subtly worked against Karna during his battle with Arjuna, using his position as Karna’s charioteer to demoralize him (Karna Parva).
His soul was among those summoned during the Shraddha rites at the Ganga (Ashramavasika Parva, Chapter 32, Verse 10).