Explore the intricate web of relationships that shaped the greatest epic ever told. From King Shantanu to the Pandavas and Kauravas, discover how destiny intertwined these families and led to the great war at Kurukshetra.
Click on any character to see details. Use the controls to zoom, pan, and explore the genealogy.
The Kuru dynasty begins with King Shantanu, who had two wives: the river goddess Ganga (mother of Bhishma) and Satyavati(mother of Chitrangada and Vichitravirya).
When Vichitravirya died without heirs, his mother Satyavati called upon her firstborn son Vyasa (born to the sage Parasara before her marriage) to father children through the niyoga practice with the widows Ambika and Ambalika.
Thus were born Dhritarashtra (blind, father of the Kauravas),Pandu (pale, father of the Pandavas), and Vidura(the wise counselor).
Born to Kunti and Madri through divine boons. Yudhishtira (Dharma), Bhima (Vayu), Arjuna (Indra), Nakula & Sahadeva (Ashvins).
100 sons of Dhritarashtra and Gandhari. Duryodhana, the eldest, became the main antagonist driven by jealousy toward the Pandavas.
Krishna (avatar of Vishnu) served as Arjuna's charioteer. Karna was secretly Kunti's firstborn by Surya the Sun God.