According to the Mahabharata Udyogaparva Chapter 168 verse 1, he was the son of the king of Gandhara – Subala. He was Shakuni’s brother and fought on the Kaurava side.

As per Mahabharata Sabhaparva Chapter 34 verse 7, he had attended Yudhishtira’s Rajasuya yajna.

According to Mahabharata Dronaparva Chapter 30 verse 11, Achala also had a brother named Vrishaka. During the Mahabharata war, Arjuna killed both Achala and Vrishaka.

As per Mahabharata Ashwamedhikaparva Chapter 32 verse 12, one night Vyasa invoked the souls of all those who had died in the war. Achala was also present in the group.