This episode of Mahabharata begins with a long parade of armies and their chariot borne commanders, serenaded as they ride to Kurukshetra. First the Pandavas are serenaded, then Bhishma and the Kauravas.
All armies march together towards Kurukshetra, but King Shalya and the army of Madra kingdom is late. He is arriving to join the armies of his nephews the Pandavas. However, he spots an extremely well adorned camp and stops there. The soldiers and their commanders treat him extremely well. However, to his surprise, he finds out that the camp he rested at and was impressed with, is Duryodhan’s camp. Since he is Duryodhan’s extended uncle, and as an honored guest, is honor bound to give Duryodhan something, Shalya is asked to become Karna’s charioteer, as a counter to Krishna.
The Pandavas do not take this well, particularly Sahadev.
Kunti and Gandhari meet after a long separation, and agree to grieve for all casualties of this war together.
Tropes found here are
- All That Glitters: Shalya falls prey to this, because he didn’t do some basic scouting to find out whose camp is where. He is so bowled over by the opulence of Duryodhan’s camp that he decides to rest there - and is forced to join the army he came to fight.
- Face–Heel Turn: Shalya reluctantly does this.
- Honor Before Reason: Shalya is honor bound to accede to whatever Duryodhan demands. He knows that Duryodhan is exploiting the code, but he will still adhere to it.
- Million Man March : More like million man, horse mounted cavalryman, elephant mounted heavy cavalryman and chariot borne prince/king march as both armies head to Kurukshetra.
- "The Reason You Suck" Speech: Sahadev gives his uncle Shalya a tearful speech over his perceived betrayal.
- Sacred Hospitality: Exploited by Duryodhan to get Shalya to defect.
