Udyoga Parva is the indispensable part of the longest epic Mahabharata. The `Book of the Effort` continues in forty nine to fifty nine sub Parvas. This Parva among the 18 Parvas of Mahabharat narrates about the preparations for war. Moreover, the book also progress with the detailing of efforts to bring about peace between the Kurus and the Pandavas which eventually fail. The term Udyoga literally means effort or work.

The `Book of Effort` enlighten the period after the Pandavas successfully fulfilled all the conditions of banishment. After the exile came to an end Pandavas reached to a position of claiming the kingdom of Hastinapur. Duryodhana and Shakuni had no choice left but to offer Pandavas their due portion of kingdom. The Udyoga Parva suitably describes the greed and hatred of Kauravas towards the Pandavas. The supremacy of Duryodhana and his evil indulgence convinced the five Pandavas to prepare for a war. Concording to the Udyoga Parva, it was the only option for the Pandavas to regain their glory and wealth.

Consequently, Udyoga Parva describes the preparation for war. Arjuna and Duryodhana both approached Lord Krishna to fight for on respectively on their side. But Duryodhana was under the misconception that Sri Krishna`s army would be sufficient to win over the battle. As a result, all army of Sri Krishna went to the side of Kauravas. Arjuna was pleased as the gracious Lord consented to fight for Pandavas.

Udyoga Parva is also a book that reveals the failure of the diplomacy of Yudhishtira. The eldest Pandava asked for their share of the kingdom and requested to grant to give them five villages. He even informed and requested Sri Krishna to settle the matter. Sri Krishna accepted to act as their ambassador. But unfortunately, Duryodhana was not in favour of the decisions and he asked the Pandavas to fight for their right.

In the Udyoga Parva , Vaisampayana said that it is indeed upon Lord Krishna to mull over "what will be for the good of both Yudhishthira and Duryodhana, and what, as regards the Kurus and the Pandavas, will be consistent with the rules of righteousness and, propriety and what will meet with the approbation of all"