He is Madri’s elder brother and king of Madri kingdom. He is therefore uncle of Nakula-Sahadeva and also of all the Pandavas.

He was coming to support Pandavas. Along the way, Duryodhana had created lavish facilities for eating and resting. Shalya was very impressed and was wondering who has created all these facilities. Duryodhana appears in front of him and says I have created all this for you. An impressed Shalya decides to change his allegiance to Kaurava. However, when he meets Pandavas later on, Bheema requests him to become the charioteer of Karna and insult Karna. This will bring down the confidence of Karna and will make it easier for Pandavas to defeat him. Shalya agrees. In effect, he would be pretending to be on the side of Kauravas, but will be supporting Pandavas.

Dritarashtra sends Sanjaya to Pandavas for a peace treaty. He was the minister for Kauravas and a charioteer. He has Divya Drishti and can narrate happenings in far off places also. By the time Sanjaya goes back, Duryodhana had got upset at Dritarashtra. He says because of your boon to Draupadi, the freedom of Pandavas was given back.

Yudishtira and Bheema seek peace. Yudishtira says even if we don’t get half the kingdom, let Kauravas atleast give us five village or atleast one village. Krishna is upset that Pandavas have forgotten all the wrongdoings of Kauravas and how Draupadi had been insulted by Pandavas. Even Arjuna seeks peace.

Draupadi shows Krishna her unbridled hair to remind Krishna of the vow that Draupadi had taken. Draupadi tells Pandavas that they should be ashamed. She says, I have five husbands but I am as good as an orphan. She says, I will ask my older brother Drustadyumna, upapandavas and Abhimanyu to fight. Krishna tells Draupadi not to worry as Duryodhana will not agree to a peace treaty. He will nevertheless make an attempt on behalf of Pandavas.

Krishna fills his chariot with weapons. He does not trust Duryodhana. He may even send some people to attack Krishna on the way. Duryodhana had made a lot of lavish arrangements. Krishna goes directly to Vidura’s house and stays. Duryodhana gets insulted that Krishna has ignored Duryodhana’s arrangements and questions Krishna. In reply, Krishna says, “Where should we have our food? In a place where we are offered food with love, or in an emergency.” Vidura had true love for Krishna. Further Kunti who is Krishna’s aunt was also staying in Vidura’s house.

Duryodhana refuses to give up any part of the kingdom, not even the top of a needle. Krishna realizes that there is no scope for peace now. Kauravas continue to be the tree of jealousy.

Krishna says that the Kauravas are like a forest and the Pandavas are like lions. They protect each other. Kauravas still do not listen. He tells Kunti that there will be war and I will be charioteer.

Krishna tells Karna that he is related to both Pandavas and Yadavas. Pandavas because they have the same mother, Kunti; and that Kunti is Yadava king Vasudeva’s sister also. He asks Karna to change sides and that once the Pandavas win, they will recognize Karna as the eldest and will make him the ruler of the kingdom. Karna will also be able to marry Draupadi. This will be unbearable for Draupadi of course but may avoid the war. This is also Dharma, as one person may sacrifice himself for the sale of the family; a family for the sake of the village; and many villages for the sake of the kingdom. Karna says Duryodhana gave me an identity and I will side with him even though he is adharmic.

Kunti also requests Karna to change over sides. Karna refuses but promises not to kill any Pandava except Arjuna. Then Indra (Arjuna’s father) comes in the disguise of a Brahmana and takes away the ear-rings and Kavacha. Karna, in return gets Shaktyaayudha and pledges to use it against Arjuna. It is important to note that what Karna did was not donation as he made the donation in return for Shaktyaayudha.

Shantanu gave a boon to Bhishma that he can choose the time of his death. This was since Bhishma had vowed to give up the kingdom and not to marry to ensure that his father Shantanu could marry the fisherwoman he loved. Further, Pandavas respected Bhishma and therefore will not be emotionally capable of fighting him.

Vyasa comes to the court and tells Dritarashtra that this is the last time he will see his sons. He offers to give Divya Drishti so that he can see his children. Dritarashtra refuses saying he does not want to see his nephews, Pandavas, dying. He still believes Kauravas will win. Vyasa, therefore, gives Sanjaya the Divya Drishti.