The quiet stability of Magadha was shattered by a stark message delivered by a frantic scout: the allied kings, enraged by the Nyay Rakshaks' relentless dismantling of their authority, were mobilizing for war.
Bahubali received the intelligence with grim certainty. He knew their combined fury meant they had learned the truth: he was the architect and leader of the justice initiative. Their target wasn't just his policy; it was the destruction of Magadha itself.
Acting swiftly, Bahubali dispatched pleas for aid. He sent letters to his strongest and most trusted allies: Dwaraka, ruled by the mighty Yadavas; Hastinapur, the seat of the Kuru dynasty and his maternal home; and Anga, led by his friend, Karna.
He bypassed the Pandavas, acknowledging that while they were family to his wife, Dushala, their direct relationship with him was not close enough to warrant such a perilous request.
The response was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. Every kingdom pledged its full support.
A month later, the sight of allied banners filling the horizon was breathtaking. The armies arrived, not only from the invited kingdoms but also, unexpectedly, from the Pandavas.
When Bahubali sought out Lord Krishna to inquire about the unexpected arrival of his estranged cousins, Krishna merely smiled, his eyes holding the wisdom of the universe.
"This is no mere skirmish between kingdoms, Bahubali," Krishna explained. "A great battle for Dharma is about to begin, and in such a battle, every soul has a role to play, whether invited or not. The Pandavas are here because destiny calls them to this field."
The location for the confrontation was decided unanimously: the legendary plains of Kurukshetra, a place known throughout Aryavarta as the destined ground for great battles of righteousness.
Both sides soon arrayed their forces, the flags and war cries chilling the autumn air. A vast sea of warriors assembled on the field.
Bahubali's Army (Dharma Alliance):
This side represented a formidable coalition of familial and righteous states, committed to preserving the order of the Nyay Rakshaks.
Magadha
Hastinapur (Kauravas)
Dwaraka (Yadavas)
Anga
Indraprastha (Pandavas)
Kalinga Army
And several smaller allied contingents.
Total Force: 8 Akshauhinis (A single Akshauhini consists of 21,870 chariots, 21,870 elephants, 65,610 cavalry, and 109,350 infantry.)
Allied Army (The Discontented Alliance):
This coalition was driven by resentment toward the Nyay Rakshaks and the fear of losing their absolute authority.
Sindhu (Jayadratha)
Pragjyotisha (Bhagadatta)
Paundraka (Paundraka Vasudeva)
Chedi Army
Bhidrava Army
Kamrup Army
And other forces aligned with them.
Total Force (Initial): 9 Akshauhinis
Crucially, the terrifying source of the rebellion's confidence, the Rakshasa Krodhakala, was still absent. His army of 6 Akshauhinis remained hidden, a powerful, dark reserve yet to join the field.
As the armies made camp, an unexpected defection caused turmoil among the Kauravas: Shakuni, the maternal uncle of Duryodhana, was seen with the Allied host.
The Kauravas immediately confronted him. "Mamashree!" Duryodhana demanded, his voice thick with confusion and betrayal. "Why do you stand with the enemies of Hastinapur and Magadha? This is madness!"
Shakuni sighed, his gaze unusually devoid of malice. "The thing is not in my hands, my son," he said, holding up his hands in surrender. "Years ago, Jayadratha performed a service for me. In return, I gave my word—a single favor to be claimed at a time of his choosing. He chose this war. A man must honor his word, even if it leads him astray."
The Kauravas, knowing the sanctity of an oath and unable to refute the claim, could only glare at the field before them and accept the unfortunate turn of events
The following day, a pavilion was erected in the middle of Kurukshetra. Generals and Kings from both sides met to establish the Rules of War—the Dharma-Yuddha conventions that would govern the coming battle.
On Bahubali's Side (The Dharma Alliance):
The delegation was a formidable assembly of military wisdom and righteous leadership:
Lord Krishna (Dwaraka/Strategic Counsel)
Bhishma (The Grand Sire, Hastinapur/Chief Counsel)
Dronacharya (Military Preceptor, Hastinapur)
Kripacharya (Royal Priest and Martial Guru, Hastinapur)
Duryodhana (King of Hastinapur)
Karna (King of Anga)
Yudhishthir (Eldest Pandava/Moral Authority)
On the Allied Side (The Discontented Alliance):
The delegation was driven by pride, ambition, and resentment:
Bhagadatta (King of Pragjyotisha)
Jayadratha (King of Sindhu)
Paundraka Vasudeva (King of Paundra)
Shakuni (The Strategic Advisor)
And several other key commanders.
The two sides faced each other across the table, the air thick with tension. The fate of Aryavarta, and the very definition of justice, was about to be decided on the blood-soaked soil of Kurukshetra.