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As Soon as the news of the slaying of Sisupala by Krishna reached his friend Salva, he became
very angry andbesieged Dwaraka with a mighty force.
Krishna having not yet returned toDwaraka, old
Ugrasena was in charge of thedefence of the city. The sieges described in the Mahabharata
seem very much like those in wars of the present day.
Dwaraka was a 'strongly garrisoned fortress
built on an island and wellprovided with means of defence. Ample barracks had been
provided and there was an abundant supply of food and weapons and the garrison included
many illustrious warriors.
Ugrasena imposed a stringent ban upon drinking
and amusements generally for the period of the siege. All the bridges were demolished and
ships were forbiddenentry into ports in the realm.
Iron spikes were planted in the moats around the fortress and the city walls kept in good repair.
Author : Shri C. Raja Gopalachari
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