‘The point of view of Bhishma […] articulated eloquently.’—Bibek Debroy

A vow, a sacrifice and a false sense of duty became an unshakeable curse for a mighty warrior.

In Bed of Arrows, Kush Bhargava retells Mahabharata through the eyes of a man whose decision to relinquish his right to the throne ironically fuels a fight for it and nearly takes the kingdom towards doom.

Lying on his bed of arrows for 58 nights, waiting to summon Yama, the Lord of Death, Bhishma meditates on the nature of heroism, sacrifice and the eternal struggle between dharma and desire. His entire life, Bhishma grapples with a sense of abandonment and helplessness, made tortuous by his vow of celibacy and promise to protect the throne of Hastinapura. As the Kauravas and Pandavas wage war, Bhishma is forced to reflect on the curse that shaped his destiny, wondering whether he would be remembered for his past glories or condemned for his passivity.

In Bed of Arrows, Bhargava’s poignant storytelling invites readers to explore the psyche of one of history’s most iconic figures and the enduring lessons hidden within ancient lore.