According to the Mahabharata, who was the eldest brother among the five Pandavas?

Introduction / Context:
The Mahabharata is one of the major epics of India, and the five Pandavas are among its central characters. Knowing their birth order is a basic point of cultural and literary knowledge. This question asks who was the eldest among the five brothers.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The focus is on the Pandavas of the Mahabharata.
- The options list Yudhishthira, Bhima, Sahadeva, Nakula, and Arjuna.
- Only one of them is the eldest brother.

Concept / Approach:
Traditional narratives clearly describe Yudhishthira as the eldest Pandava. His seniority is important because he becomes king of Hastinapura and is respected by his brothers. Bhima and Arjuna are younger, while Nakula and Sahadeva are the youngest twins. The method is simple recall of the epic story.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Remember that the Pandavas are usually listed as Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva.
Step 2: Yudhishthira is consistently described as the eldest and is often addressed with respect by the others.
Step 3: Bhima and Arjuna are younger brothers, known for strength and archery respectively.
Step 4: Nakula and Sahadeva are the youngest, born to Madri and the Ashvini twins according to tradition.
Step 5: Therefore, the eldest brother is Yudhishthira.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can cross check by recalling episodes such as the game of dice and the exile, in which Yudhishthira leads the brothers and is addressed as the one whose decisions are final. His role as the rightful heir and later king also confirms his seniority over the others.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option b is wrong because Bhima, although older than some of the others, is younger than Yudhishthira.
Option c is wrong since Sahadeva is one of the youngest twins.
Option d is wrong because Nakula, like Sahadeva, is younger than the three elder brothers.
Option e is wrong as Arjuna is younger than Yudhishthira and Bhima, even though he is a major hero of the epic.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners mix up importance with age and assume that the most prominent warrior must be eldest. Others focus on Arjuna because of the Bhagavad Gita dialogue. Remembering that Yudhishthira is the dharma abiding eldest brother and future king helps avoid this confusion.

Final Answer:
The eldest among the Pandavas was Yudhishthira.