Mahabharat War | HPSC Preparation: All subjects - HPSC (Haryana) PDF Download

Context and Participants:

• The Mahabharata War, also known as the Kurukshetra War, took place around 900 BCE.
• The conflict unfolded between the Kauravas and the Pandavas, who were vying for the throne of Hastinapur.
• Both factions were descendants of the Kuru lineage.

Location and Duration

• The battleground was Kurukshetra in Haryana, known as Dharam Shetra (the field of righteousness).
• The war persisted for a total of 18 days.

Outcome

• The Pandavas emerged victorious in the war.

Teachings of Gita

• During the battle, Lord Krishna imparted profound teachings to Arjuna on the land of Kurukshetra, known as the Bhagavad Gita.

Dharam Yudh (War of Righteousness)

• The conflict is also referred to as Dharam Yudh, emphasizing its nature as a war fought on principles of righteousness.

Geographical Significance

• The Mahabharata battleground was believed to cover an area of 48 koos, approximately 240 km in perimeter.

Military Forces

• The war involved 18 Akshohini armies, with 11 belonging to the Kauravas and 7 to the Pandavas.

Bhagavad Gita Sermon

• The pivotal moment of the war occurred when Krishna delivered the sermon of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna at the Jyotisar shrine in Kurukshetra.