Sikhandin Character Analysis in Mahabharata

Sikhandin is the child of Drupada, originally female and named Sikhandini but eventually transforming into a new body and taking on a new male identity with the name Sikhandin. Sikhandin plays a role in the death of Bhishma (who refuses to attack Sikhandin because of Sikhandin’s past as a woman). During the night raid, Aśvatthaman slices Sikhandin in half with his sword.

Sikhandin Character Timeline in Mahabharata

The timeline below shows where the character Sikhandin appears in Mahabharata. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

AMBA. Duryodhana hears the story of how Bhishma will not kill Sikhandin, a mortal male warrior who used to be female and who is a reincarnation of... (full context)

...the death of Uttara earlier, Virata has no sons left. Drona’s son Aśvatthaman fights with Sikhandin. (full context)

The tenth day of battle begins. Bhishma and Sikhandin fight—Arjuna urges Sikhandin to slay Bhishma, but he isn’t able to. Bhishma strikes back and... (full context)

...Arjuna in front of him so that Arjuna can try to kill him. But as Sikhandin and Arjuna attack Bhishma, he continues to stay strong and even slays a brother of... (full context)

Next, Sikhandin challenges Aśvatthaman, attacking him from all sides with all the weapons he has, but Aśvatthaman... (full context)