00:00A king marched to save his nephews and was tricked into fighting them.
00:04Think about making a binding vow before seeing who laid the feast.
00:08In the Mahabharata, hospitality becomes the deadliest weapon of war.
00:12King Shalya, uncle to the Pandava brothers, marched with a massive army.
00:17Along the dusty road, lavish resting pavilions suddenly appeared.
00:22Golden goblets, rich banquets, and silk couches waited at every stop.
00:27Believing his nephew sent these luxuries, Shalya rested his weary troops.
00:32Deeply moved by such grandeur, the king summoned his generous host.
00:37Ask whatever reward you desire, declared Shalya, it is yours.
00:41From the shade stepped Duryodhana, leader of the rival core of a clan.
00:46The prince bowed and said, pledge your army to my side.
00:50Shalya froze as the trap closed, but a king's word was iron.
00:54My troops are yours, Shalya whispered, for a vow cannot die.
00:59Bound by honor, Shalya fought against his own sister's sons.
01:03He even steered their enemy's chariot, trapped in a war he hated.
01:07He accepted comfort without asking the price, honor became his cage.
01:12Follow for more short stories.
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