Kuru dynasty

Vyasa (; , ) is a rishi (sage) with a prominent role in most Hindu traditions. He is also known as Veda Vyasa (, ) or Krishna Dvaipayana (, ). Traditionally regarded as the author of the epic Mahābhārata, Vyasa also plays a prominent role as a character. He is also regarded by the Hindu traditions to be the compiler of the mantras of the Vedas into four texts, as well as the author of the eighteen Purāṇas and the Brahma Sutras.

thumb|A print by Raja Ravi Varma|Ravi Varma Press depicting the Pandava brothers—[[Yudhishthira (centre), Bheema (bottom left), Arjuna (bottom right), Nakula, and Sahadeva (both standing beside the throne)—with their common consort, Draupadi]]

Bhishma (), also known as Pitāmaha, Gangāputra, and Devavrata, is a central figure in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. He was a statesman and military commander of the ancient Kuru kingdom. Renowned for his wisdom, valor, skill in battle and unwavering principles, Bhishma served as the supreme commander of the Kaurava forces during the first ten days of the Kurukshetra War until his fall.

thumb|Kaurava army (left) faces the Pandavas. A 17th–18th century painting from Mewar, [[Rajasthan.]]