Goharana - Cattle Rustling
Battle of Virata
Introduction
The Pandavas spend their thirteenth year in exile disguised as workers in King Virata’s Matsya. After Bhima kills the feared general Kichaka, Matsya’s old enemies hatch a plot to take Virata’s legendary herd of cattle. This is the description of the 2 day battle of cattle rustling that follows.
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The Plan
The Kauravas unite with the Trigartas under king Susharma to raid Virata’s cattle after learning that Matsya’s feared General Kichaka has been slain.
Operation 1-2
(1) Day 1 - The Diversion. Susharma will lead the Trigartas southeast to steal thousands of Virata’s herd.
(2) Day 2 - After Virata pursues the Trigartas, the Kauravas will strike and steal the remainder of Virata’s herd.
On day 1, after Susharma attacks, a herdsman hurries back to Virata city to inform King Virata of the situation. Virata summons his brothers and the Pandavas Yudhishthira, Bhima, Sahadeva and Nakula to battle, calling them by their in Cognito names.
The Panadavas and Matsyas ride out to brace the rustling Trigartas.
Day 1
Virata’s army takes half the day to catch up to the Trigartas.
(3) Shatanika and Vishalaksha clash with Trigarta infantry, elephants and chariots.
(4) Suryadatta and Madiraksha clash with Trigarta chariots.
(5) Virata and Susharma lead their armies against each other.
The warriors fight for the remainder of the day. A heavy night-time darkness falls, forcing the warriors to desist from fighting.
Yudhishthira saw Bhima look at the tree like an infuriated elephant.
Yudhishthira said, ‘Don’t do it, Bhima. You leave that tree be. You should not perform superhuman deeds with a tree in battle today. People will then recognize you and say, “This is Bhima.”’ — Manmatha Dutt. Mhb. Virata. Chapter 33.”
Night 1
The moon rises - casting enough light for the warriors to see in the night and fight.
(6) Susharma captures King Virata, killing his closest warriors in the process.
(7) The remaining Matsyas flee to Yudhishthira.
(8) Yudhishthira dispatches the twins with Bhima - together they shatter the Trigartas.
(9) The insolent Susharma zips arrows at Yudhishthira. Bhima swiftly attacks, defeats and captures Susharma, thrashes him within an inch of his life, freeing King Virata and recovering the stolen cattle.
Yudhishthira spares Susharma. A battered Susharma leaves in defeat with the shattered Trigarta forces.
Day 2
(1) While Virata and his army are out chasing the Trigartas, Duryodhana’s gang swoop in unopposed to take all of Virata’s cattle.
A herdsman rushes to Virata bringing word of the raid to Virata’s son Uttara. When Uttara has no charioteer, Arjuna - disguised as the famed song and dance entertainer Brihannala - claims to have once drove Arjuna’s chariot. Uttara accepts Arjuna/Brihannala as his charioteer - with Draupadi - as Sairandhri - their intermediary.
(2) With great fanfare and expectation, and Partha serving as charioteer, Arjuna and Uttara lead the remaining of Virata’s forces to face the Kauravas.
Upon seeing the many Kauravas, Uttara becomes scared. Uttara confesses to Arjuna that he has never had much interest in weapons and knows he is not capable of fighting. Uttara gives up his claim to cattle and the city of Virata rather than enter battle. Arjuna offers to switch positions - handing charioteer duty to Uttara while Arjuna fights.
“His long braid of hair and pure white garments fluttered in the air. Seeing Arjuna running with his long braid of hair flowing some soldiers burst out into laughter. - Manmatha Dutt. Mhb. Virata. Chapter 38.
(3) Arjuna and Uttara retrieve the Gandiva bow from the Shami tree where the Pandavas stashed their weapons before entering Virata. Uttara recognizes Arjuna, who says, “I am unapproachable. Irrepressible. I am dreadful.”
(4) While some soldiers laugh at Arjuna in his guise as a singer and dancer, some of the Kauravas grow apprehensive considering that it may be Arjuna.
Bhishma splits his forces - sending 1/4 at Virata in a raid and 1/4 away with the herd - the remaining half get in formation to face Arjuna and the Matsyas.
e4. Arjuna comes out of the make-up room spitting fire and ice.
(5) Arjuna drives Vikarna from battle.
(6) Arjuna kills Shatruntapa and many other soldiers.
(7) Arjuna covers Karna in arrows, slicing down his standard, bows, charioteer, horses - driving him badly wounded from battle.
(8) Arjuna attacks Kripa, Drona, Bhishma, Duryodhana and Duhshasana after scattering their armies.
(9) Arjuna defeats Kripa, who is forced to retreat.
(10) Arjuna defeats Drona.
(11) Arjuna defeats Ashvatthama.
(12) Karna returns to battle, before Arjuna drives him off again in another onslaught of arrows.
(13) Arjuna brings down Bhishma’s standard.
(14-15) Duhshasana, Vikarna, Vivinshati and Dussaha attack Arjuna. Arjuna destroys their weapons and chariots, driving them from battle.
(16) Arjuna slaughters masses of elephants, chariots and infantry.
(17) Arjuna defeats Bhishma, forcing him to retreat.
(18) Arjuna defeats Duryodhana.
(19) Arjuna kills Duryodhana’s best war elephant with an arrow.
(20) Duryodhana orders a retreat. Arjuna and Uttara save the herd.
Upon the heroes return to Virata, a grateful King Virata offers his daughter in marriage to Arjuna. Arjuna demurs and instead proposes a union between his son Abhimanyu and princess Uttarraa.