All is fair in love and war

The Mahabharat War was on. The Kaurav forces were led by Bhishmapitamaha. With him were Acharya Drona, Daanveer Karn and many others. "How do we beat such a strong force?" asked Yudhishter. "Don't you have faith in your fighting skill? How can you underestimate great warriors like Bhim and Arjun?" Lord Krishna asked. "Oh Krishna! You are our greatest strength," said Yudhishter. Lord Krishna reminded Pandavas about the valour of Bhishmapitamaha and then suggested a plan. "Shikhandi is a eunuch. Let Shikandi lead our men against the old warrior, in the battle tomorrow. Bhishmapitamaha will not fight Shikhandi. He will hold back all his weapons, even if he is in peril. Thus he can be overpowered easily". Lord Krishna said. That plan worked. Bhishmapitamaha fell. Dronacharya took over as the Supreme Commander. He organised the Kaurava forces with great skill. The Pandavs found it impossible to penetrate the enemy lines. They suffered heavy casualities. "We will never win," groaned Yudhishter. "That is a defeatist attitude. We can always find a way out," said Lord Krishna. "What do you suggest?" Yudhishter turned to Lord Krishna. "You are Dharmaputra. The whole world knows you never lie. If you agree to piay a trick, we can beat Dronacharya," said Lord Krishna. "How'^Yudhishter enquired. "Get hold of an elephant. Name the elephant Ashwathama after the son of Dronacharya. Kill the elephant. Then announce, Ashwthama Hatah, (Ashwathama has been killed)" said Lord Krishna. "That would be a lie," Yudhishter showed his disapproval. "No. You will add, Kunjara, (the elephant). But when you add those words, the drums will be beaten so loudly that Dronacharya shall only hear the first two words, Ashwathama Hatah, not the word Kunjara. The news of the loss of his only son will make Dronacharya lose interest in the battle," Lord Krishna waited, while Yudhishter turned the suggestion over in his mind. "No. That won't be fair," Yudhishter protested weakly. "All is fair in love and war," Lord Krishna argued. Reluctantly, Yudhishter agreed. The plan was carried out. Dronacharya was killed in the battlefield. Thus the Pandavasgot rid of a major obstacle in their path of victory.


Meaning: This proverb gives the lover or the fighter the right to use all means, even tricks, lies and deceptions, to make his hopes come true.
Alternative: Where drums beat the Laws are silent.