Arjuna's expedition in Digvijaya Parva.

This is the story of Arjuna's conquests for Indraprastha. Everything will be given from the critical edition of Mahabharata by Bori.

• Cross references
• Karna Parva (more like Arjuna Parva)

Quote [Arjuna to Yudhishthira]:

It is I who vanquished all the directions and the kings there and brought them under your subjugation. The rajasuya sacrifice that you completed, with donations, and the divine assembly hall that you obtained, were because of my infinite energy.613

Analysis: According to Arjuna he was the only reason why the Rajasuya campaigns of the Pandava brothers was a successful one. And i would believe him, because after all, he is the reason why they won the Kurukshetra war.

Source: Chapter 1199(49)

Quote [this is coming from Dhritarashtra's mouth, who is pro-karna/kauravas]:

He vanquished the earth single-handed and made all the powerful kings offer tribute.281

Analysis:

As per this text Arjuna defeated the whole entire world (earth), that too alone ("single-handed"). He even made all the kings (including Karna) pay tribute, as karna was also considered a king, and he was supposed to be powerful. Maybe over here Arjuna killed karna's fake son Sudama/Sudharman.

Source: Chapter 1172(22)
Yudhishthira says that Arjuna was the reason why he was wealthy:

And the mighty Vibhatsu of immeasurable soul and possessing great strength, showeth mercy and extendeth protection even to a foe when fallen. And he is the refuge of us all and he crusheth his foes in fight. And he hath the power to collect any treasure whatever, and he ministereth unto our happiness. It was through his prowess that I had owned formerly measureless precious jewels of various kinds which at present Syodhana hath usurped. It was by his might, O hero, that I had possessed before that palatial amphitheatre embellished with all manner of jewels, and celebrated throughout the three worlds.

Source: http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03140.htm

• Actual events/text/analysis where Arjuna fought and conquered
• The region Arjuna won was protected by Kubera

Quote:

On an auspicious day, moment and nakshatra, I will set out to conquer the region protected by Dhanada.”1 On hearing Dhananjaya, Dharmaraja Yudhishthira replied in words that were soft and grave. “O bull among the Bharata lineage! Go, but only after brahmanas have uttered benedictions on you, so that our well-wishers may be delighted and our enemies immersed in grief. O Partha! Your victory is certain. Your desires will undoubtedly be fulfilled.” Having heard this, Partha set out with a large army.

Analysis:

The text describes that he has/had a huge army backing him up. And "Dhanada" was another name of Kuvera. I know that Ravan also defeated Kubera, but Ravan used illusions, Arjuna did not. And Kuvera had Rakshasas fighting on his side.

Source: Chapter 248(23)

• First conquest/victory of Arjuna

Quote:

With great force, the mighty-armed Dhananjaya first conquered the kings of the land of Kuninda.3

Analysis: Arjuna's conquest of this territory is described in just one line. It is stated that their were multiple kings of the land (Kuninda). So Arjuna obviously had to face many adversaries to subjugate them. This kingdom had many kings.

Source: Chapter 248(23)

• Arjuna conquered Dwaraka

Quote:

"After conquering the Anartas,4"

Analysis:

It is described in lesser than half of a line. Whether or not Krishna itnerfered in this battle is unknown. What is known however, is that Arjuna won, hence the "after conquering". And it's clearly Dwaraka, in the screenshot pay attention to the 4th footnote.

Source: Chapter 248(23)

• Arjuna conquers kalakutas

Quote:

After conquering the Anartas,4 Kalakutas and Kunindas,

Analysis: It has already been mentioned that Arjuna conquered the Anartas and Kunindas, but not much is known about the "Kalakutas". They remain a mystery. But Kalakuta is the same region where the poison to kill Bhima was gotten (by the Kauravas) in Adi parva.

Source: Chapter 248(23)

• Arjuna conquers Shakal (not the villain of the flop film "Shaan")

Quote:

"he placed Sumandala, the conqueror of evil, in charge of the rear of his army. O king! Together with him, Savyasachi, the scorcher of enemies, vanquished the land of Shakala5 and King Prativindhya, the king of Shakala. Shakala was one of the seven regions6 and there was a tumultuous battle between Arjuna and the armies of the kings of Shakala.7 O bull among the Bharata lineage! After defeating all of them, the mighty archer attacked Pragjyotisha.8"

Analysis: Sumandala was probably a kshatriya commander who was in Arjuna's army and served him, but was absent in the Kurukshetra war. After this passage the name of the character "Sumandala" is never mentioned ever again in the text. So he was likely highlighted over here by Vaisampayana because this is the only moment of shine and attention that he ever gets in the epic. The text clearly says "kings of Shakala" meaning more than one king, so multiple kings. By the way "Shakala" is considered a "continent" so Arjuna conquered a whole entire continent. It makes sense for it to be a continent as their were many kings, and defeating many armies to conquer one small kingdom would make more sense if those armies were the armies of a continent and not a country. The footnotes of Bori, state that prativindhya was not the only king of Shakala.

Source: Chapter 248(23)

• Arjuna defeats Bhagadatta

Quote:

O lord of the earth! There was a mighty king named Bhagadatta there and the great-souled Pandava fought a great battle with him. Pragjyotisha was surrounded by kiratas, chinas9 and many other warriors who lived along the shores of the ocean.10 Having continuously fought with Dhananjaya for eight days and finding him to be still untiring on the field of battle, the king smilingly said, “O mighty-armed one! O descendant of the Kuru lineage! O son of the chastiser of Paka! This blazing valour in battle is appropriate for you. O son!11 I am a friend of Indra of the gods and can withstand Shakra in battle. But I cannot withstand you in battle. O Pandava! What is it that you want? What can I do for you? O mighty-armed one! O son! Tell me. I will do what you wish.” Arjuna replied, “King Yudhishthira, the son of dharma, is a bull among the Kurus. I wish that he may become the sovereign and others pay him tribute. You are my father’s friend and have been affectionate towards me too. Therefore, I cannot command you. Please pay it12 happily.” Bhagadatta said, “O son of Kunti! You are to me the way King Yudhishthira is. I will do all that. What else can I do for you?”’

Analysis: It's quite clear that Bhagadatta was defeated fair and square by Arjuna and that he willingly bent the knee towards Indraprastha. He said that he found Arjuna to be unfatigued and was surprised at Arjuna's endurance rate. He also claimed that he cannot withstand Arjuna in a battle. So no need to further discuss on this fact, but what should be discussed on is the presence of Kiratas & Chinas (people that lived in ancient Tibet and China) in this incident. Pragjyotisha was Bhagadatta's kingdom, but on the borders of ancient Tibet, India and China. So this victory likely opened the gateway for Arjuna to invade China/Tibet.

Source: Chapter 248(23)

• Arjuna conquers the mountains

Quote:

Kounteya, bull among men, conquered the inner mountains, the outer mountains and the upper mountains. Having conquered all the mountains and all the kings who lived there, he brought them under his sway and extracted riches from all of them. O king!

Analysis:

Well based on the text it is clear that every single mountain in the northern direction was conquered by Arjuna. The exact number is unknown, but let's try to make an inference. The majority of the mountains Arjuna conquered would have likely been in the modern day mountain range, known as "Himalayas". Now it is stated that their are at-least fourteen mountains in the Himalayas - https://www.himalayanfootsteps.com/destinations/where-are-the-himalayas/ So Arjuna conquered more than 14 mountains, and Arjuna defeated more than 14 kings. As 14 is the smallest number, their were likely far more than 14 (especially considering that the himalayas are not the only mountains that Arjuna conquered).

Source: Chapter 249(24)

• Arjuna beats Brihanta and conquers Kuluta

Quote:

Having won the riches and the loyalty of those kings, he marched with them against Brihanta, who lived in Kuluta. The earth trembled with the sound of his supreme drums, the clatter of the edges of his chariot wheels and the roar of his elephants. ‘The young Brihanta came out from his city with a fourfold army to do battle with Pandava. The battle between Brihanta and Dhananjaya was a great one. But Brihanta was unable to withstand Pandava’s valour. Realizing that Kounteya could not be beaten down, the lord of the mountains,14 whose intelligence was limited,15 brought him all his riches. O king!

Analysis: The text says that Arjuna was not alone, he had the help of the mountain kings (whose lands that he just conquered) against his next opponent (Brihanta). So with every victory him and his army grew stronger and bigger. But it says that Arjuna alone fought Brihanta, so i don't know why he marched "with" the kings that he defeated/subjugated. Clearly Brihanta was defeated by Arjuna.

Source: Chapter 249(24)

• Arjuna overthrows Senavindu

Quote:

Having established the kingdom, he set out with Kuluta16 and swiftly threw Senabindu out of his kingdom.

Analysis: For some reason Arjuna was aided in this campaign with the help of Brihanta (he was the lord of "Kuluta"). But since the word "swiftly" is used, it seems like Arjuna defeated Senabindu pretty fast, perhaps maybe in a day? As the conquest is described in one line only/alone.

Source: Chapter 249(24)

• Arjuna conquers five (5) [five] more kingdoms.

Quote:

He then subjugated Modapura, Vamadeva, Sudamana, Susamkula and the northern Kulutas and their kings. O king! Having brought those men under Dharmaraja’s rule, Dhananjaya then conquered five countries.

Analysis:

This conquest must have been very fast/quick, as it is described in one just line/sentence. 5 kingdoms alltogether were either conquered by Arjuna separately. Or they were conquered together all at once by Arjuna. Maybe these 5 kingdoms teamed up on Arjuna and ambushed him to prevent him from attacking them.

Source: Chapter 249(24)

• Arjuna wants to attack the ancestors of "Porus" (Purushottam)

Quote:

On arriving in Divahprastha, Senabindu’s great capital, the lord17 set up a base there, with his fourfold army. Surrounded by them, that bull among men marched against King Vishvagashva Pourava. O king!

Analysis: Since Arjuna set up a base, i wonder what the base looked like? Were their tents in their? How long would it take to build a base? But the fact is that his next target was Pourava region (where the battle fo Hydaspes took place), basically now he is going to attack modern day Pakistan.

Source: Chapter 249(24)

• Arjuna conquers Pourava (modern day Pakistan) & seven mountain dacoits.

Quote:

After conquering in battle the brave warriors from the mountains, he used his flag-bearing troops to subjugate the city protected by Pourava. After vanquishing Pourava, Pandava defeated the seven mountain dwelling dacoit tribes known as Utsavasamketa.18

Analysis: Regarding the city (defended by Pourava) it seems that Arjuna did not even fight, his soldiers fought as they alone were enough for the Pourava, so they subjugated him without Arjuna's help. But when it comes to the dacoits then it was Arjuna himself who defeated them. I wonder how many "Gabbar Singh's" were among them.

Source: Chapter 249(24)

• Arjuna annexes Kashmir.

Quote:

Then that bull among kshatriyas defeated the valorous kshatriyas from Kashmir and Lohita, using ten encircling armies.

Analysis: the region known as "lohita" is a region that i don't know much about. But i do know how Arjuna conquered these two territories. He used ten armies (at the very least nine of them came from the previous kings who he defeated) he used these armies to win his battle against the Kshatriyas of Lohita & Kashmir.

Source: Chapter 249(24)

• Arjuna gets ambushed by three armies (including the Trigartas)

Quote:

Kounteya then took on the Trigartas, the Darvas, the Kokanadas and many other kshatriyas who attacked him collectively.

Analysis: Whether Arjuna won or lost is not stated. As their seems to be no conclusion to this fight. But these three armies attacked him together and he was alone (whether he had his defeated enemies with him or not at this time is unknown). The text states that they attacked him. So they might have done this because they did not want to wait until it is too late, if Arjuna annexed their territory aswell. Perhaps Arjuna was planning to attack them next in the future.

Source: Chapter 249(24)

• Arjuna conquers Abhisari & Urasha

Quote:

The descendant of the Kuru lineage then conquered the charming city of Abhisari and defeated in battle Rochamana, who lived in Urasha.

Analysis:

Arjuna alone defeated Rochamana, and likely annexed Urasha aswell because Rochamana lived over their and was considered a monarch.

Source: Chapter 249(24)

• Arjuna annexs Simhapur

Quote:

The son of the chastiser of Paka then conquered beautiful Simhapure, protected by Chitrayudhasura.

Analysis: Judging by the addition of the word "asura" to Chitrayudh's name, perhaps Chitradyudhasura was a demon who protected Simhapure. So Arjuna defeating Chitrayudhasura proves his skill over demons. His victory and conquest is described in only one sentence though.

Source: Chapter 249(24)

• Arjuna defeats the Cholas and Suhmas

Quote:

Then, Kiriti,19 bull among the Pandavas and descendant of the Kuru lineage, conquered the Suhmas20 and the Cholas21 with his entire army.

Analysis: Over here Arjuna conquered the Suhmas & Cholas, he had his whole entire army backing him up, but every major warrior had an army with them so its not big deal. But their is not much given over here to analyze.

Source: Chapter 249(24)

• Arjuna annexs Bahlika

Quote:

The descendant of the Kuru lineage then conquered Bahlika22 with supreme valour. They were difficult to defeat, so there was a great battle.

Analysis:

Bahlika was ancient Punjab, so Arjuna had to fight a war against the people of a land with many rivers in it. Maybe these people were more worthy of the name "difficult to defeat" than Duryodhan.....

Source: Chapter 249(24)

• Arjuna subjugates the Kambojas and Daradas

Quote:

Phalgu23 Pandava, son of the chastiser of Paka, then took a select force and defeated the Daradas and the Kambojas.24

Analysis: When the text states Arjuna took a select force it proves that Arjuna was a great strategist. As he knew exactly what type of army he would need to take to help him defeat the Daradas & Kambojas.

Source: Chapter 249(24)

• Arjuna conquers Bandit tribes

Quote:

The lord then defeated the bandits who live towards the north-east and those who live in the forests.

Analysis: Arjuna defeated more bandits once again, the north eastern part would in Tibet, so Arjuna was likely in Tibet right now, or in the forests next to Himalayas.

Source: Chapter 249(24)

• Arjuna conquers superior Kamvojas & Lohas

Quote:

Thereafter, the son of the chastiser of Paka subjugated the Lohas, the superior Kambojas and the northern Rishikas.

Analysis:

Their is no abundance of information on the Lohas. And their is not much to analyze in this passage.

Source: Chapter 249(24)

• Arjuna's conquest against the Rishikas

Quote:

The battle in Rishika, between the superior Rishikas and Partha was a fearful one, like the battle known as tarakamaya.25 O king! After defeating the Rishikas in the field of battle, he extracted eight horses that had the colour of a parrot’s breast.

Analysis: Since the battle is described as a fearful one i think that anyone who was a fan of karna or was like karna himself would probably run away if they ever fought the Rishikas. But Arjuna didn't run, Arjuna defeated them.

Source: Chapter 249(24)

• Arjuna defeats the Kimpurusha Durmaputra

Quote:

After having crossed the white mountains, the brave one arrived at the land where the Kimpurushas lived. They were protected by Drumaputra. There was a great battle in which many kshatriyas were slain. The best of the Pandavas won and extracted tribute.

Analysis: The Kimpurusha "Druma" was a mentor of a warrior named "Rukmin". That same warrior had checked Karna in his digvijay and Karna was unable to defeat him. Yet over here Arjuna defeated the mentor of that same Rukmi.

Source: Chapter 250(25)

• Arjuna conquers Hataka

Quote:

"The son of the chastiser of Paka used his army and determination to conquer the region known as Hataka, protected by Guhyaka. Having won them over with conciliation,"

Analysis:

He used conciliation and mediated the conflict, thus preventing extra bloodshed. Arjuna won through a peace treaty.

Source: Chapter 250(25)

• Arjuna conquers lake Manasa and the regions protected by gandharvas around hatak

Quote:

, he set his eyes on the supreme Laka Manasa. He also saw all the places sacred to the rishis. On reaching Manasa, the lord Pandava conquered the regions around Hataka, protected by the gandharvas. As tribute, he obtained from the city of the gandharvas supreme horses that were the colour of partridges and speckled, with eyes like those of frogs.

Analysis: Over here Arjuna conquered the empire of the Gandharvas too. He made "chitrasen (lol)" bow to him, a dream of Karna fans was achieved by Arjuna.

Source: Chapter 250(25)

• Arjuna's last encounter (northern kurus equals devaloka)

Quote:

Pandava, son of the chastiser of Paka, then arrived at the northern country of Harivarsha and wished to conquer it too. ‘On seeing him, some doorkeepers appeared. They were giant in form, great in valour and immense in strength. They smilingly told him, “O Partha! You are incapable of conquering this city in any way. O Achyuta!26 If you desire your own welfare, turn back. You already have enough. Any human who enters this city must certainly die. O valorous one! We are pleased with you. Your conquests are already many. O Arjuna! Nothing can be seen here that is left for you to conquer. This is the land of the Northern Kurus and there cannot be any wars here. O Kounteya! Even if you enter, you will not be able to see anything. Nothing that is here can be seen with human eyes. O tiger among men! O descendant of the Bharata lineage! However, if there is anything else that you wish, please tell us. We will do your bidding.” Having been thus addressed, Arjuna, son of the chastiser of Paka said, “I wish that the intelligent Dharmaraja should become an emperor. I shall not enter this land if it is restricted to humans. But let something be given by you as tribute to Yudhishthira.” Then they gave him divine garments, divine ornaments and divine hides and skins as tribute.

Analysis: Arjuna knew when to stop, he realized that enough is enough, which is a good thing about his character. It is a mark of excellence. His opponents said that they are pleased with him, and they offered to do anything for him. They were ready to give tribute to Arjuna/Indraprastha without a war. He gained tribute from them without a war ever taking place. He fought multiple wars before (maybe almost a hundred/100) and he had seen the devastation and destruction they caused.

Source: Chapter 250(25)

• So what did arjuna do?

1. He conquered the white mountains of China
2. He conquered Vamadeva
3. He conquered Chola
4. He conquered Kambhoja
5. He conquered Superior Kambojas
6. He conquered the Rishikas
7. He conquered the Kimpurushas
8. He conquered Bhagadatta
9. He conquered the Kiratas
10. He conquered the Anarttas
11. He conquered Dwaraka
12. He defeated Kuvera
13. He conquered the Himalayas
14. He annexed Bahlika

• And alot more

Arjuna's goal was the conquest of the northern direction. It is unknown whether or not Shiva interfered in the battle that Arjuna had with Kubera/Kuvera. Because even though Yudhishthira said that Shiva is a minister of Kubera it does not change the fact that Shiva's name was not mentioned in any of the encounters, even when Arjuna conquered all the mountains it is unknown whether Shiva's "Kailasha" mountain was among the mountains Arjuna conquered, and even if Kailasha was conquered then we don't know if Shiva fought.

Arjuna was better than everybody else in Mahabharata.