The War – Day 11

Book of Drona – The Installation of Drona as the Commander of the Kaurava Army

(With the fall of the giant among warriors, Bhishma, we come to a new Book in Mahabharatam. It is a new chapter in several senses of the word.

Veda Vyasa counted the days of war as the first day, second day and so on. After the fall of Bhishma, the sage has started all over again, from one, as though it is entirely a new war).

Karna took a hostile stand against Bhishma throughout his life. But, with his fall Karna felt really sad. He was fully aware of the greatness of the senior Kaurava.

He now realized that Duryodhana expected much out of him in the war. And Karna was
ready to give all for the sake of his mentor.

Karna went, again, next morning to meet Bhishma on his bed of arrows. He sought
the blessings of the grandsire for his battle against the Pandavas. Bhishma wished
Karna with good luck.

Then, Karna entered the battle field on the eleventh day in his chariot carried by four
white horses. His very presence brought cheers in the Kaurava army. Some even ventured
to pass the comment. “Bhishma was rather partial towards the Pandavas. We are going to
witness the son of Adhiratha mauling the Pandava army like a lion”.

A new Commander

Duryodhana embraced his dear friend finding his enthusiasm. But, there was a task at
hand, to install a new commander for the Kaurava army. Karna said. “There are several
capable warriors on our side who would fulfill the role admirably well. But, we want
some one who is accepted without a question by all. Drona is the right person for us. He
is our teacher as well as of so many warriors on both the sides, including the Pandavas
and the Panchalas”. Duryodhana agreed that Drona was the right choice for the post.
He went to the Acharya and prostrated before him. Duryodhana said. “Sir, you are our
teacher. There is no warrior in the entire world who would match your skill in all
branches of warfare. We want to you to lead the army henceforth”. Drona took it as an
honour and accepted the challenging job gladly. But, he reminded Duryodhana that the
Panchala prince, Dhrishtadyumna, was born with the blessing of Lord Siva to be his
killer.

The Acharya was installed as the commander in chief ceremoniously on the eleventh
morning. There was general applause from the army with hopes for the war turning in its
favour.

Drona’s offer

The Acharya, greatly pleased with the honour bestowed on him, asked Duryodhana what
he could offer to the Kaurava prince as gift. Duryodhana said. “Please get me
Yudhishthira alive. There is nothing that I cherish better”. Drona promised to do just that,
provided Arjuna was kept away from the senior Pandava. Duryodhana promised that he
would take care of that.

Yudhishthira heard the pledge of Drona. He was worried. But, Arjuna proclaimed. “True,
that I shall never kill my dear teacher. But, as long as I am alive the Acharya will not be
able to get hold of you”.

Drona terrorized the Pandava army that day. Wherever the Acharya moved, the
Pandava army took to flight.

There were several duels that day, the most important being between Abhimanyu and
Kritavarma. The veteran Kaurava could not stand against the young heroic Pandava.
Jayadratha came to relieve Kritavarma. But, he also could not face the young Pandava
prince in a formidable form.

Bhima and Salya met against each other using their maces. The Madra king was beaten by the Pandava at the end.

Meanwhile, Drona was inching close to Yudhishthira anxious to honour his word to Duryodhana. But, Arjuna arrived at the scene and thwarted the Kaurava thrust. The Pandava fought so valiantly that the entire Kaurava army took to flight. By then, the sun set in the western horizon and both the sides withdrew their forces for the day.

Thus ends the eleventh day’s war and also the chapter, “the Installation of Drona as the Kaurava Commander (Dronaabhisheka Parvam)”