After the great war, the mighty Sātyaki, renowned for his archery, and many others met their end. In a dreadful act, Droṇa's son, Ashvatthāma, slaughtered the sleeping Pāñcālas. The charioteer of Dhṛṣṭadyumna brought this grim news to the Pāṇḍavas. Draupadī, overwhelmed by grief for her sons, her father, and her brothers, resolved to fast until death and sat beside her husbands. At Draupadī's anguished words, Bhīma, terrible in his prowess, determined to fulfill her wishes. Grasping his mace in fury, he pursued Bhāradvāja, the son of his teacher. Ashvatthāma, fearing Bhīmasena and driven by fate, unleashed a weapon in anger, declaring it would not harm the Pāṇḍavas. Krishna intervened, urging him not to act rashly, and Arjuna countered the weapon with another. Witnessing Ashvatthāma’s treacherous intent, curses were exchanged among Ashvatthāma, Vyāsa, and others, manifesting their mutual wrath. Victorious, the Pāṇḍavas took the precious jewel from Ashvatthāma and joyfully presented it to Draupadī. Thus concludes the tenth book, the Sauptika Parva, as recounted. In the eighteenth book, the chapters are declared by the great sage, and it is said to contain eight hundred verses, with seventy spoken by the sage who knows Brahman. This radiant book, detailing the Sauptika and Īṣīka episodes, is followed by the Strī Parva, which marks the rise of compassion. King Dhritarashtra, his wisdom and sight clouded by grief for his sons, gazed upon the iron image brought by Krishna. Bhimasena’s treacherous intent broke Dhritarashtra’s spirit, and the wise king was consumed by sorrow. Vidura comforted him, scorched by worldly grief, with words of wisdom and teachings on liberation. Also described is the departure of Dhritarashtra, the Kaurava Yuyutsu, and the royal household, all afflicted by grief. The wives of the heroes are remembered for their exceedingly sorrowful lamentations, and the rage and bewilderment of Gandhari and Dhritarashtra are recounted. The Kshatriyas saw their sons, brothers, and fathers—valiant warriors who never fled from battle—lying slain on the field. Gandhari’s anguish at the deaths of her sons and grandsons is recorded, as well as Krishna’s efforts to pacify her wrath. The wise and great king, foremost in dharma, performed the scriptural rites of cremation for the fallen kings. When the water-offering rites began, the secret birth of Karna, son of Pritha, was revealed. All this concerning her son was narrated by the supreme sage Vyasa; this is the eleventh book, the cause of sorrow and distress. Composed to stir tears and move the hearts of the virtuous, this book contains twenty-seven chapters and seven hundred and seventy-five verses, as recounted by Vyasa in the tale called the Bharata. Next comes the twelfth book, the Shanti Parva, which increases wisdom. Here, King Yudhishthira, overcome by dispassion after causing the deaths of fathers, brothers, sons, kinsmen, and uncles, receives teachings on the laws of righteousness from Sharatalpika. These laws, which kings seeking true knowledge should know, are set forth, including duties in times of distress, explained according to circumstance. Understanding these teachings leads one to omniscience, and diverse instructions on liberation are also expounded. The twelfth book, beloved of the wise, contains three hundred chapters, twenty-nine additional chapters, nine concerning asceticism, and fourteen thousand seven hundred verses. There are also seven verses, numbering twenty-five, and beyond this is the supreme Anushasana. Here, King Yudhishthira, having assumed his natural disposition, listens to Bhishma, son of Bhagirathi, determine righteousness. The procedures of legal practice relating to righteousness and wealth are described, as are the results of various kinds of gifts. The special recipients of gifts, the supreme rule of giving, proper conduct and discipline, and the highest course of truth are all set forth. The great merit of cows and Brahmanas is explained, along with the secret of righteousness in relation to place and time. This section contains many narratives and excellent instruction, and Bhishma’s attainment of heaven is also recounted. This is the thirteenth book, which establishes the determination of righteousness, containing one hundred and forty-six chapters and eight thousand verses. After this, the fourteenth book, the Ashvamedhika, is described. It tells the story of Samvarta and Marutta, the acquisition of the golden treasury, and the birth of Parikshit. Krishna revives the one previously burned by weapon-fire, and the horse is released for the rite, followed by the Pandava’s journey in pursuit. In various places, battles with unyielding princes are narrated, including Dhananjaya’s encounters with the son of Chitrangada and with his own son.