Pandavas, their allies, Krishna, the Kauravas, their allies and Shakuni have assembled at Upaplavya in the Matsya Kingdom ruled by king Virata. Krishna asks Bhishma to formulate the rules that would govern the war. Bhishma announces the rules: when a warrior is invited to fight, he must accept the invitation; nobody should attack the physicians who attend and treat the injured; all fightings must cease as soon as the sun sets and in case the war needs to be continued even after sun set, special provisions have to be made with the concurrence of both the warring parties; after the sun sets, any warrior can visit the opposite camp and discuss with them; no one should fight with someone who is weaponless; if a warrior decides to withdraw from the battle field, he should not be followed or coerced into fighting; Shakuni adds one more rule to this: women shouldn't be permitted in the battle field and Bhishma announces this rule as well. All those present in the assembly agree to abide by the rules. Duryodhana wants to know why Shakuni added this rule, as it was normally an accepted rule and needed no formulation. Shakuni replies that he wants to prevent Shikhandi's participation in the war, as (s)he could kill Bhishma.
Gandhari meets Kunti and apologises for her son's evil ways that has brought on the war. She requests Kunti that they should remain each other's friend, no matter whatever is the outcome of the war.
Shakuni's son Uluka has come to Hastinapur to take him back to Gandhara as Shakuni's objective in coming to Hastinapur is now accomplished as the forthcoming war would ensure the destruction of Hastinapur. Shakuni feels his presence is indeed necessary to ensure continued enmity between the Pandavas and the Kauravas; otherwise, being brothers, one of them could decide to make some compromise and call for truce. Also, he is worried that somebody may probe and question the motive behind Uluka's visit. He commands his son to tell everyone that he has come to express his solidarity and support for the Kauravas in the impending war.
Bhishma, who has seen the arrival of Uluka and the meeting with his father, threatens Shakuni that he would expose his real intent of destroying the Kuru dynasty. Shakuni dismisses the threat and says derisively that nothing would come out of Bhishma's attempts. Matters have gone too deep and nothing can reverse it.
Shikhandi confronts Krishna and asks why he has laid the rule that women should not participate in the war; after all, Durga Devi has been as good or even better than any other male warrior. Krishna clarifies that participation of women was prohibited not by Him but by the rules of Kshatriya dharma. He categorically asks Shikhandi if he is a man or a woman. Shikhandi says he is a man beyond any doubt. Krishna then assures Shikhandi that the rule would not bind him, he should get prepared to fight in the ensuing battle.
Bhishma has convened a meeting to appoint the athirathis. He announces that as an athirathi, he would lead from the North, Drona from the South, Ashwaththama from the West and Bhurisravas, son of King Somadatta from the East. Karna is furious and would like to know the basis on which the athirathis are selected. Bhishma replies that as a supreme commander he had the right to appoint even a lame man as a atirathi. Then he clarifies that he has selected them on the basis of lineage or clan, family culture and experience. Karna taunts that if experience was paramount then they should select only old people who would be infirm and doddering. Instead, the need of the hour is young and sturdy warriors. Bhishma ridicules Karna that he has given only a series of defeats for Duryodhana, like his encounters with the Gandharva in the forest or the fight with King Drupada, despite constant boasting about his valour. Drona and other kings like Somadatta and Narakasura's son Bagadatta support Bhishma and say that they should obey the directives of the Commander-in-Chief, and keep under control their personal egos, since what is more important is their joint efforts for victory.
Bhishma then selects the maharathis and samarathis but Karna doesn't figure in any of them. Finally, he appoints him as ardharathi who is eligible to fight as one in a crowd of archers. Bhishma is haughty and abusive and insults him repeatedly, quoting his 'low' birth. Karna is angry and in agony, but Duryodhana is unable to support him because Shakuni cautions him to stay composed, lest they would alienate and lose Bhishma. Karna refuses to fight as ardharathi and vows not to fight in the war till Bhishma remains in the forefront. Bhishma asks him to get out of the assembly, and a grievously hurt Karna is forced to walk out.
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