Bhagadatta is a character in the Mahabharata, an important Hindu epic. He is the king of Pragjyotisha, a kingdom located in the eastern part of India, and is known for his bravery, wisdom, and loyalty to his allies.
Bhagadatta is often depicted as a formidable warrior and a skilled elephant rider. He is said to have possessed a large army, including a powerful fleet of elephants, which he used to great effect in battle.
In the Mahabharata, Bhagadatta fights on the side of the Kauravas, the enemies of the Pandavas, who are the main protagonists of the epic. During the battle of Kurukshetra, Bhagadatta engages in a fierce battle with Arjuna, one of the Pandava warriors, riding his mighty elephant named Supratika.
Although Bhagadatta fights valiantly, he is eventually defeated by Arjuna, who uses the powerful weapon known as the Brahmastra to kill Supratika. Bhagadatta then retreats from the battlefield, but his loyalty to the Kauravas is praised by both sides.
Overall, Bhagadatta is described as a brave and loyal warrior, and his skills as an elephant rider and army commander are highly respected in the Mahabharata. His role in the epic highlights the importance of loyalty and honor in the warrior code of ancient India.