Why did Bhisma support Duryodhana in the great war?

He did not vow to stick to Hastinapur or see his father's image in the king as been shown in TV serials as far as I know.

Then why did he support Duryodhana in the final war?

Was it because he knew it would be the losing side and he was awaiting to be freed from his mortal body?

Please correct me if I'm wrong on the vow.

Just like Katappa fought from Bhallaldev's side till he realized that the one against him was crowned next King of Mahishmati Mahendra Bahubali

Bhishma didn't support a King, He supported the Kingdom of Hastinapur and Pandavas were against Hastinapur

It was tell one of episode that bhishm telling that when hastinapur divided then bhishm also divide that I will fought from kaurav side but my good wish will be on pandav side

I believe though he could not become King, he could not turn ignorant and blind eye to what would happen to the throne of Hastinapur. Besides, I am sure he did have his wishes to become King and if you have the desire, you automatically consider and take the responsibilities along with it.

He was a part of politics of Hastinapur, he was also an integral part of all decision making. I simply believe, he loved this throne too much. Not out of greed (because IMO he was anything but greedy) but out of attachment.

So when the time came for war, he fought in the side of Hastinapur as that was the throne he had committed himself (not due to oath but due to his own personal attachment and ambition) to. He also considered himself responsible for what happened to the throne. So I think this was his decision.

I do understand his oath did not include serving Hastinapur in anyway. But if he is not the King, and if he is taking all the decisions that a King ideally should, is it also not his responsibility as per the moral terms of Dwapar Yug to fight for Hastinapur's side? I think it is something he bestowed upon himself. He loved his soul, clan and throne too much to fight against them.

Originally posted by: AnkitaPurka66

He did not vow to stick to Hastinapur or see his father's image in the king as been shown in TV serials as far as I know.

Then why did he support Duryodhana in the final war?

Was it because he knew it would be the losing side and he was awaiting to be freed from his mortal body?

Please correct me if I'm wrong on the vow.

I think it's b'cos once the partition happened, the Kauravas were left w/ Hastinapur, which is where he continued to live and serve. Also, when the Pandavas mounted their challenge, they had no kingdom that he could have affiliated himself to: even Indraprastha was still under Dury's control. Which is why he ended up fighting on the Kaurava side

^Great points all. Thank you 😊