DUHSASANA was leading the Kaurava forces and Bhimasena did the same onthe Pandava side. The noise of battle rolled and rent the air. The kettledrums,trumpets, horns and conchs made the welkin ringwith their clamour.

Horses neighed, charging elephants trumpeted and the warriors uttered their "lion-roars." Arrows flew in the air like burning meteors. Fathers and sons, uncles and nephews slew one another forgetful of old affection and ties of blood. It was a mad and terrible carnage.

In the forenoon of the first day's battle the Pandavaarmy was badly shaken.Wherever Bhishma's chariot went, it was like the dance of the destroyer. Abhimanyu could not bear this and he attacked thegrandsire.

When the oldest and the youngest warriors thus met in battle, the gods came to watch the combat. Abhimanyu's flag, displaying the golden karnikara tree brightly waved on his chariot.