Guru Dakshina to Dronacharya

“What is this?” the princes cried in wonder. “Is it possible to fix so many arrows at once into the open mouth of an animal? And yet the creature was not harmed at all by those arrows! What amazing skill! Who else has such power except Guru Drona himself? Come, let us go inside the forest and see what is there once.”

They entered the forest, and what they saw there left Arjuna and all the students of Dronacharya completely stunned.

Before them stood a fierce-looking young warrior of the forest. He was deeply absorbed in himself, fitting arrows to his bow and shooting again and again at the target. His concentration was wonderful. Not a single arrow missed. This, then, was the young man who had shot seven arrows into the royal dog’s mouth to stop its barking.

But there was something even more surprising.

Beside the young archer stood a clay statue of Dronacharya.

How had Dronacharya’s statue come into this deep forest? And who was this huge, frightening youth? His clothes were dirty, his body dark, and he was covered with wild leaves and creepers. He looked like a man from some ancient forest tribe.

Arjuna stepped forward and asked, “O brave one, who are you? What is your father’s name?”

The youth bowed and replied, “I am Ekalavya, son of Hiranyadhanus, the chief of the Nishadas. I am a disciple of Acharya Drona. I am practicing weapons here alone in this forest.”

Arjuna stared at him. “Are you speaking the truth? You are a disciple of Acharya Drona? I know no one else besides him.”

Hearing Dronacharya’s name from Ekalavya’s mouth, Arjuna was greatly surprised. He had never seen this young man in their place of learning. Then when had Guru Drona trained this Nishada boy? There was no doubt that this archer’s skill was even greater than Arjuna’s. Had the Acharya broken his promise?

At once Arjuna and the other princes mounted their horses and returned at full speed to Dronacharya.

Guru Drona listened in surprise as they told him of Ekalavya. Then Arjuna spoke to him privately.

“Gurudev,” he said, “you had told me that no one in this world would become an archer equal to me. But this Ekalavya of the Nishada tribe has gone beyond me in skill. How is this possible?”

Drona frowned and thought deeply. Then he said, “Even after much thought, I cannot remember teaching weapons to anyone named Ekalavya. No, Arjuna. Tomorrow I myself will go with you to that forest land. I want to see this matter with my own eyes once.”

The next day Dronacharya went into the forest with Arjuna.

Arjuna pointed and said, “Look there, Gurudev, the Nishada youth Ekalavya is practicing with bow and arrow before your statue.”

Drona called out, “Stop, stop, brave one. Who are you?”

The young warrior turned, saw Drona, and at once fell flat upon the ground in full prostration.

“Lord Drona!” he cried. “This is beyond my dreams! How fortunate I am, Lord! I have only one identity—I am your Ekalavya. Please accept my full prostration, Gurudev.”

Drona looked at him steadily. “But I did not teach you the science of weapons.”

Ekalavya folded his hands. “No, Lord. Because I am the son of a Nishada, I did not have the good fortune to learn directly from you. But I accepted you as my guru, and I have continued my practice before your statue.”

Drona said, “If you truly think of yourself as my disciple, then give me my guru dakshina.”

Ekalavya did not hesitate. “What shall I give, Gurudev? Please command me. To you, to you I can give everything. I can even give my life.”

Drona’s voice became firm. “Very well. Then give me the thumb of your right hand as dakshina.”

There was not even a shadow of fear on Ekalavya’s face.

“As you command, Gurudev.”

At once Ekalavya cut off the thumb of his right hand and placed it at the feet of Guru Dronacharya.

Then he tried to draw and aim with his other fingers. But now his arrows were no longer so swift.

Seeing Ekalavya weakened, Arjuna felt satisfied in his mind. Guru Drona then returned happily to Hastinapur with him.

Among the many disciples of Guru Dronacharya, Arjuna became the greatest in archery, and Bhima became the greatest in fighting with the mace. There was no warrior there who could surpass those two. Guru Drona himself took responsibility to make Arjuna the best warrior. Ekalavya, the Nishada boy, could have become a thorn in that path, so Guru Drona cleverly made him powerless and kept his promise.

Whatever powerful and divine weapons he had in his quiver, he gave them all to Arjuna. He taught him the methods of using them and of calling them back.

When the education of the princes was almost complete, a terrible accident took place.

One day Guru Drona had gone to bathe in the Ganga. All the students stood on the riverbank with their weapons in their hands. Suddenly they heard their teacher cry out in pain from the water.

“Princes, save me!” he cried. “A crocodile has attacked me. Kill it at once, or it will tear the flesh from my leg!”

The princes heard their teacher’s cry and stood on the bank confused and helpless.

Only Arjuna moved.

Before Drona had even finished speaking, Arjuna shot five swift arrows one after another and cut the crocodile into pieces.

Freed at once, Dronacharya came out of the water. He placed his hand on Arjuna’s head and said, “Child Arjuna, I am greatly pleased with you. You are truly this great hero. Today I will give you a rare divine weapon, because you alone are worthy of it.”

Arjuna bowed. “Your endless kindness, Gurudev.”

Drona then said in a grave voice, “Child, take this Brahmashirastra. The mantra to call it and the knowledge to use it are very secret. I am teaching you all of that. But never use it against any human except in the time of a terrible attack from an enemy, child, for otherwise destruction will surely follow.”

Arjuna answered, “As you command, Gurudev.”

Not long after, someone came rushing in, calling loudly, “Gurudev! Gurudev! Gurudev! Gurudev!”

Drona turned. “Karna, what has happened, child? Why are you so excited?”

Karna bowed and said, “Gurudev, I have a special request for you.”

“Speak, Karna. What do you want?”

Karna said boldly, “The Brahmashirastra. The weapon you gave to Arjuna—please give me the right to that weapon too, Gurudev. When you faced danger in the Ganga, I was not here. On hearing of it, I came quickly. Even if I had been there, I could have done the same as Arjuna, Gurudev.”

Drona looked at him with a calm but piercing gaze. “The Brahmashirastra is not for everyone, Karna. One must be worthy of this weapon, and only Arjuna has that worth. This weapon is not only a sign of bravery, but also of self-control. And a great hero with self-control like Arjuna is rare in this world. Besides... besides... you are not a Kshatriya.”

Karna’s face darkened, but he still pleaded, “At least test whether I am worthy, Gurudev. I will prove that I am in no way less worthy than Arjuna.”

Drona said, “Your pride and jealousy are saying the final word about you. You have still not mastered the self-control needed for the use of this Brahmashirastra.”

Karna lowered his head. “Forgive me, Gurudev. The right that you did not give me, I will gain by my own worth. However much hard work it takes, I have no fear. I will prove that I am no less than Arjuna. Gurudev, my respects. Only after becoming worthy will I stand before you again.”

A weapon is not always a sign of power and boasting. The one who understands the meaning of self-control knows the true use of a weapon. So the reason for Dronacharya’s trust in Arjuna became clear.

But Karna too was a great hero in effort, and there was endless fire within him.

So Karna went to the great sage Parashurama and showed him his worth and strength. In this way he gained the right to the Brahmastra. Yet that right became a curse in his life instead of a blessing. For Karna had given a false identity to Parashurama. To Parashurama, who was against Kshatriyas, he introduced himself as the son of a Brahmin, and by that false claim he gained the knowledge of divine weapons. Without that false identity, Parashurama would never have accepted him as a disciple.

Parashurama was impressed by Karna’s devotion and bravery. He gave him the Brahmastra and his own unfailing bow, Vijaya.

But Karna’s lie was soon uncovered.

When Parashurama learned Karna’s true identity, he cursed him. “This Brahmastra will not be able to save you from destruction,” he said, “for in your greatest hour of need you will forget the method of using it. Even the Vijaya bow will be of no use to you.”

Yet to Karna, the glory of receiving the Brahmastra was greater than the trouble that would come later. The joy of becoming equal to Arjuna made him restless.

Now the time had come for him to seek recognition.

When the great hero Karna returned to Hastinapur, the training of the princes under the guru had also ended. A mood of celebration spread through the city.

Dronacharya, Kripacharya, Bhishma, Vidura, and many other great men came to the royal palace of Hastinapur, where they sat around King Dhritarashtra. Then Guru Drona came and stood before the king.

“Victory to the king of Hastinapur.”

Dhritarashtra replied warmly, “Great Guru Dronacharya, please accept my greetings. After so long, have you come with some special news, Acharyadev?”

“Yes, Maharaj,” Drona said, “and because it is very joyful news, I have brought it to you myself.”

“Then, then please tell me, Acharyadev, tell me. I can no longer keep my patience.”

Drona said, “The weapon training of the princes is complete. The young students have all now become bright and powerful young heroes. I want to show Your Majesty, all the wise people in this court, and your subjects what kind of warriors they have become. So today I have come to ask for your permission.”

Dhritarashtra nodded with joy. “This is a very fine proposal, Acharyadev. You have completed a noble work. If I myself had eyes, then by seeing such bravery with my own sight my life would have been blessed. But God has not given me that chance. Still, still, hearing the joyful cries of Grandfather Bhishma, the righteous Vidura, family guru Kripacharya, and hundreds of citizens will fill my heart. Younger brother Vidura.”

Vidura answered, “Command me, Maharaj.”

“According to the words of Acharyadev, make every arrangement for the princes’ display of weapons. See that there is no lack in the preparations. Also make sure that the royal ladies and the townspeople can fully enjoy this display. Today is a day of great pride for Hastinapur. Let the bravery of the princes not seem dim in any way. Make the arrangements as instructed by Acharyadev.”

Vidura bowed. “As you command, Maharaj. I will leave no fault in the arrangements.”

By order of Dhritarashtra and by Dronacharya’s instructions, Vidura had a huge arena built on a flat piece of land. Around it, beautiful buildings were made for the royal women and the other women to sit in. The places for the king, his companions, and the great Bhishma were decorated with many jewels and pearls. Separate places were arranged for the common people and for the invited kings and nobles.

Then the announcement was spread throughout the land:

“Hear, hear, people of the city, all of you listen. On the coming full moon day, the day has been fixed for the display of weapons by the royal princes at the newly built arena beside the palace of Hastinapur. On this occasion, the king of Hastinapur, the mighty Maharaja Dhritarashtra, invites all the people of the city.”

On the appointed day, groups of townspeople came to the arena. Everyone was enchanted by its decoration and royal beauty. Friendly kings from far and wide had also been invited to witness the princes’ strength.

At the proper time, the wise Bhishma arrived. Keeping him in front, King Dhritarashtra, family guru Kripacharya, noble Vidura, and the other courtiers entered one by one and took their seats. Gandhari, Kunti, and the other royal ladies also sat in the places prepared for them.

After everyone was seated, the musicians began to play. Sweet music and the murmur of the townspeople made the whole place lively.

At last Guru Drona arrived with his son Ashwatthama. His hair was white, his clothes were white, and a white garland hung around his neck. Seeing that pure, calm, shining teacher, the townspeople bowed their heads in respect.

Dronacharya then had the royal priest and the other priests perform an auspicious worship with the sages. Conch shells sounded in every direction.

Then, with the eldest prince Yudhishthira in front, the princes entered the arena one by one, in order from eldest to youngest, dressed as warriors. The guards and the royal announcer loudly declared their names. With each name, trumpets, drums, and war instruments thundered.

“Coming is the great and righteous eldest prince, son of Pandu, Yudhishthira, born in the line of dharma, the image of honesty.”

“Coming is the mighty and greatest archer, best among heroes, most handsome son of Pandu, Arjuna.”

So the names of the princes were announced one by one. Some came riding horses, some riding elephants, and entered the arena with great splendor.

They bowed to Bhishma, Kripa, Dronacharya, Dhritarashtra, Vidura, and their mothers. Then each prince shot arrows with his name written on them and struck the target.

After that began the display of many kinds of weapons and battle skills.

The gathered crowd watched in awe. The murmur of their delight rose and broke like the waves of the great sea.

Hearing that joy, King Dhritarashtra eagerly asked Vidura, “Vidura, on seeing whom are our people crying out in such joy? Tell me everything in detail.”

Vidura replied, “Maharaj, our people are so delighted on seeing Kunti’s son Arjuna, the favorite disciple of Drona. Arjuna is showing wonderful and astonishing uses of many weapons, Maharaj. With the fire weapon he is lighting fires, with the wind weapon he is creating storms, with the water weapon he is bringing down rain, and he is even making a mountain with high peaks by using the Shringa weapon, Maharaj. The people of Hastinapur are blessing him again and again on seeing all this.”

Dhritarashtra sighed with deep satisfaction. “Ah, hearing of this wonderful sight has truly filled my heart. In the hands of Pandu’s son Arjuna, the city of Hastinapur and its king will remain safe and protected. Vidura, there, there listen, Vidura, listen. Can you hear that roar? Who has come now? Tell me quickly, Vidura, tell me.”

The announcer’s voice rang out, “Beware, beware! Coming are the great and mighty prince Duryodhana, and the fearless mace-bearing great warrior Bhima Sena.”

Vidura said, “Duryodhana and Bhima are showing a mace fight, Maharaj.”

Dhritarashtra leaned forward at once. “My Duryodhana! Has my Duryodhana become a worthy hero, Vidura?”

“Yes, Maharaj,” Vidura answered slowly. “Duryodhana is certainly showing terrible bravery in mace fighting. But, but he has forgotten that this is only a display. In his blows of the mace against Bhima, the hatred in his heart is creating a very ugly sign.”

Vidura had spoken truly.

While the other princes were displaying skill and bravery, Duryodhana and Bhima seemed to have fallen into real battle. Acharya Drona sensed danger at once. To stop them, he quickly sent Ashwatthama into the arena.

The mace fight ended.

The gathered people seemed to breathe again in relief. Yet the faint shadow of danger that had fallen upon the horizon was clearly seen in the eyes of Bhishma and Vidura.

And I too saw it—I, Krishna Dwaipayana Vedavyasa.

Meanwhile the arena of Hastinapur was still enchanted by Arjuna. At the end of the display of his disciples’ bravery, Dronacharya declared Arjuna his worthy and dearest disciple.

At that very moment, like an unexpected meteor, Karna came rushing into the arena with great force.

He bowed and said, “Please accept Karna’s greetings, Acharya Drona. I ask permission to show in this arena all the same skills that Arjuna has just displayed.”

Drona answered, “Very well, I give you permission. Begin your display of weapon skills, Karna.”

With Dronacharya’s permission, Karna began to display different weapons. Whatever Arjuna had shown just a little earlier, Karna now showed one by one in the same way.

All the people in the assembly stood frozen in wonder.

Could there be such a hero besides Arjuna?

At the same time, as Kunti saw this best of heroes—this young man wearing armor and earrings, with the mark of the sun upon his forehead—her whole being shook. Was this the sun-born Karna? Was this child the first sign of her motherhood in her youth? The helpless baby whom she had left behind in terrible shame now stood before her dressed as a great hero.

Under the heavy blow of shame, sorrow, pain, anger, and motherly love, Kunti trembled within herself.

Meanwhile, seeing Karna’s glory in the arena, Duryodhana leaped from his seat in joy. He embraced Karna and said, “O great hero, I welcome you to the Kuru kingdom. This kingdom is yours as well. You may enjoy it as you wish.”

Karna said, “Prince Duryodhana, I ask you to accept Karna’s friendship. And standing here in the arena of Hastinapur, I ask permission to engage Arjuna in single combat.”

Duryodhana smiled with delight. “By gaining a friend like you, I have found great joy today, Karna. Whatever I have, from today it is yours too. Now go and defeat the enemy without worry.”

Arjuna’s face blazed. “Fool, listen, what great arrogance you have! You are uninvited in this arena! No one invited you. Those who come uninvited and speak beyond their right deserve a place in hell. Come, I will send you there.”

Karna answered at once, “This arena does not belong to you alone, Arjuna. Everyone has the right to enter here. I have heard that you are a great hero, so why waste time in empty talk? Whatever you have to say, your weapons will say it. That too is your bow. Today, before the guru himself, I will cut off your head.”

As Kunti heard these words and saw the two stand facing each other, her heart broke within her.

“O God, O fate!” she cried inwardly. “What sight are you showing me! These two sons have come face to face in battle today, and how, how can I bear this sight as their mother! God, for what sin are you punishing me! What is this, what is this! Why is the whole world, the whole world shaking so much? Why do my eyes, why do my eyes see such darkness? Has destruction truly come near? Ah!”

Then Kunti fainted.

“Queen! Queen! What has happened, what has happened?”

“Your maidservant, maidservant, go quickly, bring cold water.”

In the arena, Arjuna and Karna were making ready for single combat.

The Pandava brothers, Guru Dronacharya, family guru Kripacharya, and the wise Bhishma all came and stood beside Arjuna. On the other side, Dhritarashtra’s sons came and stood beside Karna. The arena itself, and all its spectators, split into two sides.

Above Arjuna’s head, Indra spread the shade of clouds. Above Karna’s head, the fierce rays of the sun poured down.

Just before the challenge could begin, Kripacharya stepped between them and said to Karna, “You know who Arjuna is. Arjuna is the son of Pandu and Kunti, a prince of the Kuru line. Before you challenge him to single combat, give the name of your family and birth. How can Prince Arjuna fight with a hero of unknown family? Only after knowing your true identity will Arjuna decide whether to fight you.”

At once Duryodhana rose and declared, “O family guru, if Arjuna does not wish to fight anyone except a king, then right now I am making Karna the king of Anga. Friend Karna, go and sit on that golden throne. The royal priest and the Brahmins learned in the Vedas will begin your coronation. From today you will be the king of Anga.”

Karna turned to him with deep emotion. “Friend, I will never forget this gift of yours, my friend Duryodhana. In every happiness, wealth, trouble, and danger, you will find this Karna beside you like a shadow. Till death, I will remain with you. This is Karna’s vow.”

At once, amid auspicious conch shells, sacred chants, holy water, and showers of flowers and grains, Karna’s coronation was completed.

At that very moment, Karna’s foster father Adhiratha came quickly into the arena. Adhiratha was the charioteer of King Dhritarashtra’s chariot. Though he was a charioteer, Adhiratha’s blood was Kshatriya blood. He was a descendant of the ancient king Romapada of Anga. When he found Karna in an abandoned box floating in the river, Adhiratha and his wife Radha had been living in Anga itself. Karna had grown up on the soil of that Anga land.

In those days, the child of a Kshatriya father and a mother of a Brahmin line was called a suta. In the order of society, the sutas were higher than the Vaishyas but lower than the Kshatriyas. Therefore, though they were not considered worthy to sit beside Kshatriyas, friendship with them was not forbidden.

Seeing his foster father in the assembly, Karna lowered his bow, bent his head, and touched Adhiratha’s feet. Adhiratha’s eyes flowed with tears of joy as he saw his son become a king. Again and again he kissed Karna’s head.

Now the Pandavas understood who Karna was believed to be.

Bhima laughed harshly and said, “O suta’s son Karna, your pride is not small! You have come to fight Prince Arjuna? You are not even worthy to die at Arjuna’s hands. Go, go, hold the reins and follow your family duty. You are not fit even to sit on the throne of Anga. Why such fire in you when you are not even a Kshatriya? Do not go beyond your place, Karna. It will not end well.”

Duryodhana at once answered in anger, “You are saying the same thing, Bhima. Better say this instead, that Arjuna is afraid to fight Karna. I do not need to know the story of your birth any further. And what Kshatriya blood do you have? Even that Arjuna could not yet stand before Karna’s fire.”

Bhima replied sharply, “Duryodhana, mind your words. Whom are you comparing with whom? You are seating the son of a charioteer on the same level as the greatest archer!”

Duryodhana thundered back, “Do not try to frighten me with words. I know all your boasting. It is only in your mouths. Not only Arjuna, none of you can stand before Karna even for a moment. Can such a shining man, wearing armor and earrings, ever be a suta’s son? Can you not see from Karna’s face itself that he is truly a prince, that he could not have been born in an ordinary family? Are you blind in your eyes as well? Listen, Bhima, not only Anga, Karna is worthy to be king of the whole world. Let those who oppose Karna be ready to fight me.”

The quarrel burned fiercely between both sides.

But then the sun set.

According to the rule of war, no fighting or quarrel could continue after that time. So Duryodhana took Karna’s hand and left the arena. Kunti too returned to her palace, her heart strangely pleased that Karna had become king of Anga. The other royal women departed. Kripacharya, Acharya Drona, King Dhritarashtra, and the wise Bhishma all returned home.

With Yudhishthira in front, the Pandavas too went back to their residence. But Yudhishthira seemed deeply thoughtful.

Just then Vidura came to his side and asked, “Child Yudhishthira, what are you thinking so deeply about?”

Yudhishthira bowed. “My respects, Kshatta. Karna’s talent, fire, and skill in weapons have amazed me. Such a great hero cannot be the son of an ordinary family. I am only thinking about who Karna’s father and mother may be, Kshatta.”

Vidura said gently, “Child, many questions in this world do not get answers. Until time itself brings the answer before you, do not try to search for it on your own. Go, go to your own house and rest.”

Yudhishthira bowed again. “As you command, Kshatta.”

Many days passed after that great display in the arena of Hastinapur. The people of the city still could not forget it. Never before had they seen so many heroic young men together. Whenever they remembered the princes’ courage, strength, and valor, their heads bowed in respect.

After teaching a few more necessary things of weapon knowledge, one day Dronacharya said to the princes, “Listen, princes, your education in weapons is complete. I have taught you everything I know. And according to your own taste and intelligence, you have all fully mastered that learning. There is nothing more for me to teach you. My giving is now complete. Now it is your turn to repay me.”

At once they asked, “What shall we give you as guru dakshina? Please command us, Gurudev.”

Drona turned to Yudhishthira and said, “Child Yudhishthira, at the beginning of your training in weapons I told you that at the end of your education you would have to fulfill a wish of mine. That time has now come. Defeat King Drupada of Panchala in battle, capture him, and bring him before me. That will be my true guru dakshina. I too shall see what kind of warriors you have become.”

Duryodhana immediately declared, “As you command, Gurudev. Tomorrow itself we will all set out for war together. Within one day we will conquer the kingdom of Panchala and bring King Drupada before you.”

Then he added, “This is Duryodhana’s promise. As your former student, please allow my friend Karna too to join this campaign, Gurudev.”

Drona said, “Very well, let it be so. Karna too will go with you to battle. Be victorious.”

With elephants, horses, chariots, and many kinds of weapons, the Kauravas gathered in a splendid battle formation. Together the Kauravas and Pandavas marched to attack the kingdom of Panchala.

But as soon as they entered Drupada’s land, the Kauravas became wild with the excitement of war. Karna, Duryodhana, and Duhshasana began arguing and struggling over who would attack first.

Meanwhile, King Drupada quickly gathered his soldiers. The whole kingdom of Panchala rose with them. Children, old men, and young men came out into the roads with clubs, hammers, and staffs. The Kauravas could not stand against the combined attack of Drupada’s army and the people of Panchala. And over all this stood the known bravery of King Drupada and his brother Satyajit.

So the Kauravas’ hope of victory turned to dust.

But in this battle to capture Drupada, the five Pandavas had not yet joined the Kauravas. They were waiting with Guru Drona about half a krosha away from the city of Panchala.

Standing there, Arjuna said, “Gurudev, the Kauravas’ boasting is only in their mouths. They will not be able to capture the great hero Drupada. Instead, they themselves will return defeated. Let them show their bravery as long as they can. After that, we will enter the battle.”

Soon the time came.

Arjuna said, “Gurudev, Duryodhana’s bravery is finished. So now we will go to battle. Elder brother Yudhishthira, please remain beside Gurudev. His safety is also important. The four of us can capture King Drupada together.”

Leaving Yudhishthira behind, the four Pandavas rushed toward the Panchala army like enraged elephants.

Bhima, with mace in hand, became terrible to behold. At the sight of his fearful strength, soldiers scattered and ran in every direction. On another side, Nakula and Sahadeva filled the citizens of Panchala with fear, confusion, and panic by their arrows.

Then Arjuna struck.

He cut apart the chariot, charioteer, and bow of King Drupada’s brother Satyajit. Disarmed, Satyajit was forced to leave the battlefield.

Arjuna’s arrows then struck down Drupada’s charioteer, his chariot flag, and his horses. Then Arjuna leaped onto Drupada’s chariot with sword in hand and captured the king of Panchala.

After that, the Pandavas brought Drupada before Guru Drona.

“Gurudev,” they said, “here is your guru dakshina. Please accept it. King Drupada is now under your control.”

Dronacharya looked upon Drupada and said, “Drupada, I have taken both your kingdom and your throne. But no, do not fear for your life. I am a forgiving Brahmin, so I will not kill you. Since there can be no friendship between a king and a beggar, today I have taken your kingdom. Now if you wish to be my friend, I return half your kingdom to you. Only if two men are equal can friendship exist, is that not so, Drupada? You yourself had said so, do you remember?”

Drupada replied, “From a great and powerful soul, I expected such conduct. I am pleased, I am favored. I seek your lasting friendship, Drona.”

Drona said, “Very well, I too am satisfied to gain your friendship, Drupada. I free you, and I return half your kingdom. Let the land south of the Ganga, the region by the Charmanvati river, remain yours. You yourself will be king there. And north of the Ganga, the kingdom of Ahichhatra will remain mine. My son Ashwatthama will be king there. At last your promise has been fulfilled, Drupada. The kingdom of Panchala has been divided into two halves. Come, child Arjuna, let us return to Hastinapur. We must complete the arrangements for Ashwatthama’s coronation.”

Though Ashwatthama sat upon the throne of Ahichhatra, the real control of that city remained in the hands of Dronacharya.

Meanwhile, King Drupada burned with the desire for revenge. To answer the insult done to him, he began to search for a way to kill Drona. He knew he could not do it by his own strength. He also knew that no worthy person in the world was fit to take up so heavy a task.

Drupada understood that only divine help could save him now.

But how could he gain such a divine child?

With Drona’s death fixed before his eyes, Drupada began to wander across the earth.

And in Hastinapur, at the same time, there was great stir over Yudhishthira’s coming coronation. Yet there was no happiness in the hearts of Dhritarashtra and Duryodhana. Dhritarashtra was thinking of taking help from a terrible plan.

The politics of Aryavarta was now becoming more and more complex.