The Pandava and Kaurava armies face each other

In this illustration from the Bhishma Parva of the epic, the Pandava and Kaurava armies are shown arrayed before each other on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.

Duryodhana, leader of the Kaurava army, is seen at the center of his forces on the left, beneath a white parasol. Opposite are his cousins the Pandavas, led by Krishna and Arjuna who blow their conches marking the start of hostilities in this cataclysmic battle.

Opaque watercolor heightened with gold on paper image 9 3/4 by 15 3/4 in. (24.8 by 40 cm) folio 10 5/8 by 16 1/2 in. (27 by 42 cm) circa 1700