Skilled with the mace and a formidable warrior, he was tricked by Duryodhana to fight the war on the side of the Kauravas.

Shalya was an incredibly calm and deliberate fighter, his level-headedness and prowess in warfare making him a great warrior in spite of his slight build.

[2][3][4] Years after Madri had decided to self-immolate herself, Shalya invited his nephews Nakula and Sahadeva to Madra, wishing to make them his heirs.

Shalya argued that Nakula could be a king one day, instead of fourth-in-line to the throne of Hastinapura, provided that Yudhishthira would be named the crown prince.

When Duryodhana revealed the treachery, Shalya is astounded but is compelled to grant a boon due to the hospitality.

Unable to turn down Duryodhana's request to join the Kauravas, Shalya met the Pandavas and apologised for his mistake.

On 16th day of battle, Karna defeated, but spared the lives of Nakula and Sahadeva, stating that they are younger and not his equals, therefore not deserving of death by his hands.

Karna disregarded his advice, as he had already aimed the arrow towards Arjuna's head and said that changing the target of a bow right before firing it is not a brave act.

After fighting with the mace, spear and by the means of archery, Yudhishtira took his javelin (which was once used by Shiva to kill the demon Andhaka) and hurled it at Shalya.

That divine weapon struck squarely on his leg and Shalya was injured, the bhargavasta shot by Yudhistira from the Vijay bow hit him in the chest and he died.