Princess Uttara was the daughter of King Virata of Matsya and Queen Sudeshna. She first appears during the Pandavas’ year of incognito exile in Virata’s court. Arjuna, disguised as the eunuch dance teacher Brihannala, instructed Uttara in music and dance, forging a bond of affection and trust. When the Kauravas attacked Matsya, Uttara’s brother, Prince Uttar, hesitated in battle, and Arjuna, still in disguise, became his charioteer. This event revealed Arjuna’s identity, and as a gesture of gratitude and alliance, King Virata offered his daughter in marriage. However, Arjuna declined, reminding Virata that Uttara was like his daughter since he had been her teacher. Instead, he arranged her marriage to his son Abhimanyu, the valiant son of Subhadra and nephew of Krishna. The marriage strengthened ties between the Pandavas and Matsya. Uttara’s most poignant role came after Abhimanyu’s tragic death in the Chakravyuha. Pregnant at the time, she became the mother of Parikshit, the sole surviving heir of the Kuru dynasty, who later succeeded Yudhishthira. Thus, Uttara, though a minor figure in the war, played a crucial role in ensuring the continuation of the Pandava lineage.
