Drona Teaches the Princes

We have learnt how Drona came to Hastinapura and how he won the role as teacher of the Kaurava princes. (We may use the general term Kaurava for the sons of Pandu and of Dhritarashtra. Whenever the former are referred as the Pandavas we use the term Kaurava for the latter ). Bhishma offered a lot of wealth to Drona as reward. Attracted by the fame of Dronacharya several princes from the neighbouring kingdoms also joined the school. Karna was one among those who came to learn from Drona.

Drona demands a reward

Drona addressed all the princes right in the beginning and told them that he had a task for them at the end of their education. He would not say what it was. But, he wanted their word that they would accomplish the task whatever that be. All except Arjuna simply kept quiet being not sure whether they could commit to something about which they had no clue. But Arjuna came forward and promised that he would fulfill his teacher’s desire whatever that be. That pleased the Acharya so much that he promised to make Arjuna the best among all his disciples .

The Story of Ekalavya

One day the princes went hunting in the forest. Hunting is such a sport that it gives a festive atmosphere. The hunters chase animals on foot or on horse back. They shout in excitement and encourage dogs to follow. The dogs bark and run here and there.

That day one of the dogs suddenly returned with seven arrows thrust in its mouth ! That was an astounding sight, because it required extraordinary skill and speed to hit seven arrows one after another on target at the very instant the dog opened its mouth. That was beyond even Arjuna. They tracked the source and met with a young hunter. When asked he said that his name was Ekalavya. Who could have taught him such a skill in archery ? The reply surprised all the Kauravas. He claimed he learnt everything from Dronacharya! Arjuna was humiliated by this revelation. Did his teacher give him a false promise that he would make Arjuna the best ? He reported the matter to Dronacharya and complained about the word his teacher did not keep. Drona was surprised himself to hear about such a disciple of his . He came to the scene and confronted Ekalavya. He told the boy that he did not remember ever giving him any instructions. Then, Ekalavya told his story.

He was one among those went seeking Drona’s teaching. But, the Acharya refused him saying that he would not teach a mere hunter boy. Ekalavya was disappointed, but, not totally disheartened. He built a clay model of Drona in the forest. He would watch from a hidden spot whatever Drona demonstrated before his pupils. He would then go back to his teacher, Drona in clay, and repeat the same lessons over and over until he mastered them. That was how he learnt his skills.

Drona thought for a while. He said that if the boy accepted him as the teacher then he would demand a reward called Guru Dakshina. Ekalavya with folded hands promised to do whatever within his powers for his teacher. Then came the stunning and terrible demand from the teacher. He wanted the right thumb of Ekalavya, because that is the best asset for an archer. Ekalavya did not hesitate even for a second. He chopped his right thumb and presented the teacher with that.

That finished Ekalavya, and probably the strongest rival for Arjuna, forever.