Shalya, king of Madra and maternal uncle of Nakula and Sahadeva, was a powerful warrior tricked into joining the Kauravas by Duryodhana’s deception. Initially intending to support the Pandavas, he reluctantly remained loyal to the Kauravas. Renowned for his skill with the mace and chariot warfare, Shalya also had a sharp tongue and often mocked Karna while serving as his charioteer, undermining his confidence in the final duel with Arjuna. On the 18th day of the Kurukshetra War, Shalya was made commander of the Kaurava army after Karna’s death but was slain in combat by Yudhishthira, fulfilling destiny. Shalya symbolizes misplaced loyalty and the tragedy of dharma compromised by deception.
