The elder brother of Shantanu, who gave up the throne, and fought for the Kauravas.
Accounts of this vary across texts and traditions. This entry primarily follows Mahabharata, with other tellings (Puranic traditions (Harivamsha, Bhagavata Purana), Regional retellings) noted where relevant.
Bahlika is a son of Pratipa and the elder brother of Shantanu. He gave up his claim to the throne of Hastinapura in favour of Shantanu.
Bahlika was an old man at the time of the war. He fought on the Kaurava side. His son Somadatta and grandson Bhurishrava fought there too.
This entry is independently written for myVamsam using the sources listed above. Where traditions differ, this entry identifies the relevant tradition rather than presenting one account as universally established fact.