Summary of Chapter 18: Bal Mahabharat Katha (Class 7th)

In chapter 18 of Bal Mahabharat Katha, the story revolves around the great Kurukshetra war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, which was about to begin. Both sides prepared for battle, and the Kaurava army, led by Duryodhana, was confident of victory.

The Battle Formation
- The great warrior Bhishma was appointed as the commander of the Kaurava army, while the Pandavas chose Krishna as their charioteer and advisor.
- The Pandavas arranged their army in the form of a huge wheel, with Bhima guarding its right side and Arjuna positioned in the center.
- Bhishma, on the other hand, deployed the Kaurava army in the form of an array called the Chakravyuh, a complex formation that was difficult to penetrate.

The Strategy of Arjuna
- Arjuna knew the only way to defeat the Kauravas was by killing Bhishma, who was virtually unbeatable. However, breaking through the Chakravyuh was a daunting task.
- Arjuna sought Krishna's guidance, who explained that he needed to enter the Chakravyuh and create chaos from within. Krishna assured him that he would guide him through the battle.

The Brave Abhimanyu
- Abhimanyu, Arjuna's son, overheard the conversation and wanted to help his father. Although he was young and inexperienced, Abhimanyu had learned how to enter the Chakravyuh while in his mother's womb.
- Arjuna allowed Abhimanyu to enter the formation, but he was not aware of how to exit it. Thus, Abhimanyu bravely entered the Chakravyuh, facing countless warriors alone.

Abhimanyu's Sacrifice
- Abhimanyu fought valiantly, defeating many warriors, but he was eventually overwhelmed by the Kaurava army. Despite his bravery, Abhimanyu was slain in battle.
- The Pandavas mourned the loss of their young and courageous warrior, vowing to avenge his death and defeat the Kauravas.

In this chapter, the stage is set for the great Kurukshetra war, and the bravery of Abhimanyu is highlighted. The story builds anticipation for the battle to come and sets the tone for the subsequent chapters.