The Engagements
Paruṣṇī River
The decisive battle on the banks of the Paruṣṇī (modern Ravi River). King Sudās, though surrounded, prevailed with the aid of the gods Indra and the Aśvins.
Vipāś / Śutudrī River
Actions on the Vipāś (Beas) and Śutudrī (Sutlej) rivers — the confederacy's approach routes and the Bharata defensive positions.
Yamunā River
Eastern engagements along the Yamunā River, involving clans from the eastern reaches of the Vedic world.
The Combatants
King Sudās led the Bharata clan, who were supported by the priest Vasiṣṭha (whose rivalry with Viśvāmitra is a key subtext). The confederacy comprised the Pūrus, Yadus, Turvaśas, Anus, Druhyus, Alinas, Pakthas, Bhalānas, Śivas, and Viṣāṇins — many kings and their respective clans.