War Nakula desired Drupada to be the general of the Pandava army, but Yudhishthira and Arjuna opted for Dhristadyumna. As a warrior, Nakula slew prominent war-heroes on the enemy side. The flag of Nakula's chariot bore the image of a red deer with a golden back. Nakula was the leader of one of the seven Akshahuni. On the 1st day of the war, Nakula defeated Dussasana, sparing his life so that Bhima could fulfill his oath. On the 11th day, Nakula defeated Shalya, destroying his chariot. On the 13th day, his advance into Dronacharya's formation was repulsed by Jayadratha. On the night of the 14th day, he vanquished Shakuni. On the 15th day, he was defeated by Duryodhana in a one-on-one duel. On the 16th day, he was defeated and spared by Karna. On the 18th day, he killed Karna's sons Chitrasena, Satyasena and Sushena. Later life and death After the war, Yudhishthira appointed Nakula as the King of Northern Madra and Sahadeva as King of southern Madra. Upon the onset of Kali Yuga and the departure of Krishna, the Pandavas retired. Giving up all their belongings and ties, the Pandavas and Draupadi, along with a dog, made their final journey of pilgrimage to the Himalayas. Except Yudhishthira, all of the Pandavas grew weak and died before reaching heaven. Nakula was the third one to fall after Draupadi and Sahadeva. When Bhima asked Yudhishthira why Nakula fell, Yudhishthira replied that Nakula took pride in his beauty and believed that there was nobody equal to him in looks. References Sources Characters in the Mahabharata