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How Many People Died in Mahabharata: Important Deaths Every Day of the Kurukshetra War

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The Mahabharata, one of the greatest epics of Indian mythology, recounts the monumental battle of Kurukshetra between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. This epic war, which lasted for 18 days, resulted in immense bloodshed and the deaths of many notable warriors. Understanding how many people died in Mahabharata, especially in the Kurukshetra war, reveals the sheer scale of this ancient conflict. Here is a detailed account of the significant deaths that occurred each day of the war.

Day 1: The Commencement of Carnage

The first day of the Kurukshetra war set the tone for the ferocity and scale of the conflict. Bhishma, the commander-in-chief of the Kaurava forces, led an aggressive attack. While no prominent warriors perished on this day, the casualties were still high, with numerous soldiers from both sides falling in battle. Estimating the exact number of people who died in Mahabharata on this day is challenging, but historical accounts suggest thousands perished.

Day 2: Wrath of the Pandavas

On the second day, the Pandavas, led by Bhima and Arjuna, retaliated fiercely. The battlefield turned into a scene of immense bloodshed. Although no significant leaders died, the death toll increased as the battle intensity grew. It is believed that tens of thousands of soldiers died, reflecting the grim reality of war in ancient times.

Day 3: The Death of Uttara

The third day saw the death of Uttara, the prince of Matsya, who was married to Abhimanyu’s sister. Uttara’s death was a significant blow to the Pandavas, showcasing the personal losses endured during the war. The cumulative death toll continued to rise, adding to the countless lives lost in the Mahabharata.

Day 4: Strategic Maneuvers

On the fourth day, the fighting grew even more intense. The notable strategic maneuvers by Bhishma and Drona resulted in severe casualties among the Pandava forces. While no key warriors died on this day, the number of common soldiers who died was staggering, possibly reaching tens of thousands.

Day 5: Death of Shrutayu

The fifth day marked the death of Shrutayu, a notable ally of the Kauravas. Arjuna, in his fury, killed Shrutayu and many other warriors. This day was particularly brutal, with a high death toll among both soldiers and minor chieftains, reflecting the escalating violence and the relentless nature of the war.

Day 6: Fall of Duryodhana’s Brothers

Duryodhana’s brothers faced severe losses on the sixth day. Bhima, driven by vengeance, killed several of Duryodhana’s brothers. The death of these princes marked a turning point, showcasing the heavy losses the Kauravas would continue to face. Thousands more soldiers also perished, contributing to the monumental death toll in the Mahabharata.

Day 7: Death of Shalya’s Sons

Shalya’s sons perished on the seventh day, killed by Abhimanyu. This day was particularly significant as it highlighted the youth’s bravery and the rising death toll among prominent warriors. The relentless fighting led to further massive casualties, with the death toll rising into the tens of thousands.

Day 8: Bhima’s Rampage

The eighth day saw Bhima’s unparalleled rampage across the battlefield. He killed eight of Duryodhana’s brothers, significantly weakening the Kaurava morale. The death toll on this day was exceptionally high, with Bhima alone accounting for thousands of deaths, including both soldiers and princes.

Day 9: Fall of Iravan

Iravan, Arjuna’s son by the Naga princess Ulupi, was killed on the ninth day by the Rakshasa Alamvusha. Iravan’s death was a poignant moment, highlighting the personal losses endured by the Pandavas. The cumulative death toll continued to escalate, showcasing the brutal reality of the Mahabharata war.

Day 10: Bhishma’s Fall

The tenth day marked the fall of Bhishma, the grandsire of both the Pandavas and Kauravas. Struck down by Arjuna, with Shikhandi’s assistance, Bhishma’s fall was a pivotal moment in the war. Though he did not die immediately and lay on a bed of arrows, his incapacitation was a significant blow to the Kauravas. The death toll on this day was immense, with thousands of soldiers perishing alongside their revered commander.

Day 11: Drona Takes Command

With Bhishma incapacitated, Drona took command on the eleventh day. The battle’s intensity increased, leading to significant casualties. While no major warriors died, the sheer number of soldiers killed was staggering, reflecting the escalating violence and the relentless nature of the war.

Day 12: Chakravyuha Formation

The twelfth day saw Drona’s Chakravyuha formation, leading to heavy casualties among the Pandavas. The number of soldiers who died in this formation was immense, with Abhimanyu breaching it but facing severe challenges. The death toll continued to mount, with countless soldiers perishing in the fierce fighting.

Day 13: Death of Abhimanyu

The thirteenth day was marked by the tragic death of Abhimanyu, Arjuna’s son. Trapped in the Chakravyuha, Abhimanyu fought valiantly but was ultimately killed by a group of Kaurava warriors. His death was a significant loss for the Pandavas, reflecting the high stakes and personal losses in the war. The death toll on this day was particularly high, with thousands of soldiers dying alongside Abhimanyu.

Day 14: Night Battle

On the fourteenth day, the battle continued into the night, a rare occurrence in ancient warfare. Ghatotkacha, Bhima’s son, was killed by Karna using the Shakti weapon. Ghatotkacha’s death was a significant blow to the Pandavas, and the night battle saw immense casualties, with tens of thousands of soldiers dying in the relentless fighting.

Day 15: Death of Drona

Drona’s death on the fifteenth day marked another pivotal moment in the war. Tricked into laying down his arms by the news of his son Ashwatthama’s death, Drona was killed by Dhrishtadyumna. His death demoralized the Kauravas, leading to further heavy casualties among their ranks. The death toll on this day was particularly high, with thousands of soldiers perishing alongside their revered teacher.

Day 16: Karna Takes Command

Karna took command on the sixteenth day, leading to intense fighting and significant casualties. While no major warriors died, the sheer number of soldiers killed was staggering. The death toll continued to mount, reflecting the relentless nature of the war and the immense bloodshed involved.

Day 17: Death of Karna

The seventeenth day saw the death of Karna, one of the most formidable warriors in the Mahabharata. Killed by Arjuna under Krishna’s guidance, Karna’s death was a significant blow to the Kauravas. The death toll on this day was immense, with thousands of soldiers perishing alongside their valiant commander.

Day 18: The Final Day

The eighteenth day marked the end of the Kurukshetra war. Shalya was killed by Yudhishthira, and Duryodhana was mortally wounded by Bhima. The final day saw immense casualties, with the Pandavas emerging victorious but at a great cost. The cumulative death toll of the Mahabharata war was staggering, with millions of soldiers and numerous prominent warriors perishing in the epic conflict.

Conclusion

The Kurukshetra war in the Mahabharata is a tale of immense bloodshed and personal loss. Understanding how many people died in Mahabharata, especially the significant deaths each day, highlights the epic’s scale and the human cost of the conflict. The war resulted in the deaths of millions of soldiers and numerous key warriors, leaving a lasting impact on the epic’s narrative and Indian mythology.

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WRITTEN BY:

Nitten Nair is a mythology enthusiast, researcher, and TEDx speaker who brings global myths and legends to life through engaging content on Mythlok. With a passion for exploring both well-known and obscure myths, Nitten delves into the cultural and symbolic meanings behind ancient stories. As the creator of Mythlok, he combines storytelling with deep research to make mythology accessible and relevant to modern audiences. Nitten also shares his insights through podcasts and videos, making him a trusted voice for mythology lovers and scholars alike.

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