The relationship between the Pandavs and the Kauravs, two groups of cousins in the Mahabharat, is marked by familial ties, rivalry, jealousy, and ultimately, a devastating war.

Here are the key aspects of their relationship:

1. Common Ancestry: Both the Pandavs and the Kauravs are descendants of King Bharata and share a common ancestry. They are cousins, with their fathers being brothers. The Pandavs are the sons of King Pandu, while the Kauravs are the sons of King Dhritarashtra.
2. Claim to the Throne: The conflict between the Pandavs and Kauravs centers around the Hastinapur throne. After King Pandu’s death, his sons, the Pandavs, are denied their rightful share of the kingdom by Duryodhan, the eldest Kaurav. Duryodhana’s ambition and jealousy drive him to oppose the Pandavs and deny them their rightful inheritance.
3. Humiliation and Exile: Duryodhan, through deceit and manipulation, engineers the infamous game of dice, where the Pandavs lose their kingdom, wealth, and even their wife, Draupadi. As a result of the rigged game, the Pandavs are forced into exile for thirteen years, which includes one year in incognito.
4. Attempts at Reconciliation: Several attempts are made throughout the epic to reconcile the differences between the Pandavs and the Kauravs. However, Duryodhana remains steadfast in his refusal to grant the Pandavs their rightful share, leading to the inevitability of the Kurukshetra War.
5. Kurukshetra War: The Kurukshetra War is the climax of the conflict between the Pandavs and Kauravs. The war is fought on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, and it involves both sides engaging in a massive and destructive battle. Many renowned warriors and heroes from both families participate in the war.
6. Bhagavad Gita: Before the war begins, Arjun, one of the Pandavs, is filled with moral dilemma and sorrow about fighting against his own relatives, including the Kauravs. In response, Lord Krushna delivers the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred text within the Mahabharat, which provides guidance on duty, righteousness, and the nature of existence.
7. Destruction of the Kauravs: The Kurukshetra War results in the death of numerous warriors, including all the Kaurav brothers, except for Yuyutsu, a half-brother who joins the Pandavs during the war. The war concludes with the victory of the Pandavs but at a great cost.

In summary, the relationship between the Pandavs and Kauravs is characterized by familial bonds that are strained by jealousy, injustice, and the pursuit of power. The conflict ultimately leads to a destructive war, the consequences of which are explored in depth in the Mahabharat.