Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 89

During the Battle of Kurukshetra, Krishna deceived the Kauravas by hiding the sun behind clouds to enable Arjuna to kill whom?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the key events and characters involved in the Battle of Kurukshetra.

Correct Answer: D) Jayadhrata

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, CLAT, MAT

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Battle of Kurukshetra is a pivotal event in the Indian epic Mahabharata, which details the struggle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. This battle is not only a significant historical and mythological event but also a rich source of strategic warfare and moral lessons.

During the battle, various strategies were employed by both sides to gain an advantage. One such strategy involved Krishna, who was Arjuna's charioteer and a key figure in the Pandavas' camp. Krishna used his divine powers to deceive the Kauravas by hiding the sun behind clouds. This was done to enable Arjuna to kill Jayadhrata, a crucial figure in the Kaurava army.

Jayadhrata was a powerful warrior and the king of Sindhu. He had made a pact with the Kauravas that he would protect Duryodhana's army for one day. However, there was a prophecy that Jayadhrata would be killed before sunset on that day. To prevent this, the Kauravas devised a plan to ensure that Jayadhrata would not be killed before sunset.

Arjuna, with Krishna's help, devised a counter-strategy. Krishna used his powers to hide the sun behind clouds, creating an illusion of sunset. This made the Kauravas believe that the day was over, and they relaxed their guard. At this moment, Arjuna took the opportunity to kill Jayadhrata, fulfilling the prophecy and weakening the Kaurava army significantly.

This event is a testament to the strategic and tactical aspects of the Mahabharata, where divine intervention and human strategy often intersect. It also highlights the importance of timing and the use of deception in warfare. Understanding these events and the characters involved is crucial for anyone studying Indian mythology and history, particularly for competitive examinations that test knowledge of such topics.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect. Shakuni was a key figure in the Mahabharata, but he was not the one killed by Arjuna during the Battle of Kurukshetra using Krishna's strategy of hiding the sun behind clouds.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. Dronacharya was a prominent warrior and teacher, but he was not the target of this specific strategy. Dronacharya was killed by Dhrishtadyumna, not Arjuna.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. Dushasana was a Kaurava prince, but he was killed by Bhima, not Arjuna, and not through the strategy of hiding the sun behind clouds.
  • Option D: This option is correct. Jayadhrata was a crucial figure in the Mahabharata, and his death was a significant event during the Battle of Kurukshetra. Krishna used his divine powers to hide the sun behind clouds, allowing Arjuna to kill Jayadhrata at the appointed time.

Mnemonic: J-K-A: Jayadhrata, Krishna, Arjuna

Back to Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 89 – Practice all questions