Bahubali was killed by Kattappa because it was his duty to secure the king of Mahishmati, Bhallaladeva, who had ordered Bahubali's death due to perceived threats to his reign.
The Assassin: Kattappa
Kattappa, the loyal general and a sworn slave to the throne of Mahishmati, was the one who tragically ended Bahubali's life. His actions were not driven by personal animosity but by a deep-seated, unbreakable bond of duty and servitude to the reigning monarch.
The Motive: Duty and Royal Decree
The decision to eliminate Bahubali stemmed from a complex interplay of political maneuvering, perceived threats, and Kattappa's unwavering loyalty to the crown.
Here's a breakdown of the primary reasons:
- Bhallaladeva's Command: The newly appointed King Bhallaladeva saw Bahubali as a significant threat to his power and kingdom.
- Perceived Threat: Bahubali had chosen to stand against the kingdom's wishes by marrying Devasena. This act led to his departure from Mahishmati, which Bhallaladeva interpreted as a dangerous challenge to his authority and stability as the new king.
- Kattappa's Oath of Loyalty: Kattappa had pledged absolute loyalty to the Mahishmati throne and its ruler. As he famously stated, he was a "slave of the throne." His ultimate duty was to protect the king of Mahishmati, even if it meant sacrificing his own personal affections or values.
Summary of Key Factors
To illustrate the clear chain of events and motivations, consider the following:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| The Killer | Kattappa |
| The Victim | Bahubali |
| Primary Order Giver | King Bhallaladeva |
| Bhallaladeva's Motive | Saw Bahubali as a threat after he left Mahishmati to marry Devasena. |
| Kattappa's Motive | Duty to secure the reigning king (Bhallaladeva); bound by oath as a slave to the throne. |
Kattappa's act, therefore, was a tragic consequence of his inescapable commitment to his duty, fulfilling a king's command that arose from fear and the desire to consolidate power.
