Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika Character Analysis in Mahabharata

Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika are three sisters that Bhishma kidnaps and forces to have children with Vyasa (since he himself is celibate). Amba closes her eyes during sex, giving birth to the blind Dhritarashtra; Ambika goes pale during sex, giving birth to the pale Pandu; and Ambalika doesn’t recoil, giving birth to the wise Vidura.

Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika Character Timeline in Mahabharata

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

...so Bhishma makes the child Vicitravirya king. When Vicitravirya is old enough, Bhishma abducts three sisters—Amba, Ambika, and Ambilika—and has Vicitravirya marry Ambika and Ambilika. Vicitravirya lives happily for seven years... (full context)

Satyavati explains to Ambika that Vyasa is coming to her that night. They have sex, but Ambika has to... (full context)

Finally, instead of sending Ambika again, Satyavati sends a maid dressed up as a princess to Vyasa. The maid delights... (full context)

...male warrior who used to be female and who is a reincarnation of the princess Amba (sister of Ambika and Ambalika). Bhishma initially kidnaps Amba, but although he returns her, this... (full context)

Amba isn’t happy with this outcome, wanting Bhishma dead, and so one day when Śiva offers... (full context)