Dronacharya

We have witnessed the meeting of Bhishma with the Brahmin who performed something like a miracle by lifting the toy of the Kaurava princes from the deep well. He was none other than the celebrity known by the name Drona. We shall learn about his skills during and even before the Mahabharata war.

Drona was the son of the vedic seer Bharadvaja born of the Apsara (damsel of heaven) by the name Ghritachi. He lived in poverty right from childhood as most Brahmins did during those days. He heard about sage Parasurama (Rama equipped with axe as weapon), the son of sage Bhrigu, who would give anything he possessed, if asked by Brahmins. So, Drona decided to approach the sage to find relief from his poverty.

As the disciple of Parasurama

Drona introduced himself to Parasurama and got a warm welcome at the hermitage. He then presented his problem to the sage. Parasurama had by then given away all his wealth to other Brahmins. The only possession that remained with him was his extraordinary skill in weaponry, especially in archery. It was well known that there was none to match Parasurama, in archery, during his life time. Drona thought it a good idea to learn that science from its topmost authority and expert. Accordingly, he started living in the hermitage of Parasurama.

Drupada , the prince of the Panchala kingdom also joined Drona there. The two became good friends. Drupada on occasions told Drona that he was sure to inherit the kingdom of his father in due course. When that happened all the wealth he would acquire would be for Drona to enjoy because Drupada did not consider his friend as separate from himself.

After learning all that he could from Parasurama and excelling in them Drona returned to his father’s hermitage. Then, as suggested by his father he married Kripi, the sister of Kripa. Getting a son was something he owed to his ancestors. Soon, a son was born to him who was named Aswatthama. This son of Drona also would play a crucial role in the war that would be waged later .

Drona’s poverty

It is said that Aswatthama once cried for milk and there was not even a drop in the hermitage. So, Drona mixed some rice powder in water to make it appear like milk and gave it to the crying child. Other children started making fun of the boy pointing to the abject poverty of his family. This hurt the proud Drona to the very heart.

Then, he remembered the words of his dear friend, Drupada. By then the king of Panchala had died and Drupada had assumed the throne.

Drona Meets Drupada

Drona decided to approach king Drupada with the hope of getting some relief from his poverty. Drupada received his old friend cordially. Drona then reminded the king of their old association and the words given to him by Drupada. That brought out the true colous of Drupada.

Drupada said that he might have spoken many things while a student. Who was Drona, a poor Brahmin, to talk like that to the king of Panchala ? Friendship was possible only between equals. At best he would offer one square meal to the begging Brahmin.
Drona was hurt beyond words and he returned quietly to his family.

Drona becomes Dronacharya

It was then that he heard about the princes of Hastinapura and that Bhishma was searching for a renowned teacher for their higher studies. So, he decided to stay with his brother-in-law, Kripa and wait for an opportunity to exhibit his skills and meet Bhishma.

That was how he happened to be brought in the presence of the scion of Kurus. When asked, Drona said that he was willing to teach the Kauravas and Pandavas all that he learnt from Parasurama. His interest was only to build a strong team of disciples. Bhishma thought no further and offered the job to Drona. That was how Drona became Dronacharya. We shall learn next how he fully deserved the title Acharya and how he achieved his goal as a result.