Backdrop for the story - End of Yadavas
References: The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, BOOK 16, Mausala-parva; Translated into English Prose from the Original Sanskrit Text by Kisari Mohan Ganguli [1883-1896] http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m16/m16000.htm Setting of the plot: After the great Mahabharata war (circa 3031 BC), Krishna & Balaram return to Dwaraka and rule on for 36years. There are several small kingdoms (clans of yadavas) under them such as Bhopas, Vrishnis, Satyakis, Kritavarmas, etc...During this time as the Yadavas get more powerful and inevitably more arrogant and drunk with power, they fail to discharge their Kshatriya duties properly. One day, led by Krishna's son Sambha, they play a practical joke on a Rishi and he incurs a curse whereby a mace would be born to him and that would prove to be all of their death-knell.... They dont take it seriously, but soon, Sambha develops labour pains and delivers a mace!!! The people get scared and wondering what to do, the chieftains decide to powder...