Kripa, Drona, the tournament and Guru-dakshina

Meanwhile, the king Dhritarashtra, beholding the Kuru princes passing their time in idleness and growing naughty, appointed Gautama as their preceptor and sent them unto him for instruction. Born among a clump of heath, Gautama was well-skilled in the Vedas and it was under him (also called Kripa) that the Kuru princes began to learn the use of arms.

Kripa

The great sage Gautama had a son named Saradwat. This Saradwat was born with arrows in hand. The son of Gautama exhibited great aptitude for the study of the science of weapons, but none for the other sciences. Saradwat acquired all his weapons by those austerities by which Brahmanas in student life acquire the knowledge of Vedas. Gautama (the son of Gotama) by his aptitude for the science of weapons and by his austerities made Indra himself greatly afraid of him. Then, the chief of the gods summoned a celestial damsel named Janapadi and sent her unto Gautama, saying, “Do your best to disturb the austerities of Gautama.” Repairing unto the charming Ashrama of Saradwat, the damsel began to tempt the ascetic equipped with bow and arrows. Beholding that Apsara, of figure unrivalled on earth for beauty, alone in those woods and clad in a single piece of cloth, Saradwat's eyes expanded with delight. At the sight of the damsel, his bow and arrows slipped from his hand and his frame shook all over with emotion; but possessed of ascetic fortitude and strength of soul, the sage mustered sufficient patience to bear up against the temptation. The suddenness, however, of his mental agitation, caused an unconscious emission of his vital fluid. Leaving his bow and arrows and deer-skin behind, he went away, flying from the Apsara. His vital fluid, however, having fallen upon a clump of heath, was divided into two pares, whence sprang two children that were twins.

It happened that a soldier in attendance upon king Santanu while the monarch was out a-hunting in the woods, came upon the twins. Seeing the bow and arrows and deer-skin on the ground, he thought they might be the offspring of some Brahmana proficient in the science of arms. Deciding thus, he took up the children along with the bow and arrows, and showed what he had to the king. Beholding them the king was moved with pity, and saying, “Let these become my children,” brought them to his palace. Then that first of men, Santanu, the son of Pratipa having brought Gautama's twins into his house, performed in respect of them the usual rites of Dharma. He began to bring them up and called them Kripa and Kripi, in allusion to the fact that he brought them up from motives of pity (Kripa). The son of Gotama having left his former Ashrama, continued his study of the science of arms in right earnest. By his spiritual insight he learnt that his son and daughter were in the palace of Santanu. He thereupon went to the monarch and represented everything about his lineage. He then taught Kripa the four branches of the science of arms, and various other branches of knowledge, including all their mysteries and recondite details. In a short time Kripa became an eminent professor of the science (of arms). The hundred sons of Dhritarashtra, and the Pandavas along with the Yadavas, and the Vrishnis, and many other princes from various lands, began to receive lessons from him in that science.

Desirous of giving his grandsons a superior education, Bhishma was on the look-out for a teacher endued with energy and well-skilled in the science of arms. Deciding that none who was not possessed of great intelligence, none who was not illustrious or a perfect master of the science of arms, none who was not of godlike might, should be the instructor of the Kuru (princes), he placed the Pandavas and the Kauravas under the tuition of Bharadwaja's son, the intelligent Drona skilled in all the Vedas. Pleased with the reception given him by the great Bhishma, that foremost of all men skilled in arms, viz., illustrious Drona of world-wide fame, accepted the princes as his pupils. Drona taught them the science of arms in all its branches. Both the Kauravas and the Pandavas endued with immeasurable strength, in a short time became proficient in the use of all kinds of arms.

Drona

There dwelt at the source of the Ganga, a great sage named Bharadwaja, ceaselessly observing the most rigid vows. One day, of old, intending to celebrate the Agnihotra sacrifice he went along with many great Rishis to the Ganga to perform his ablutions. Arrived at the bank of the stream, he saw Ghritachi herself, that Apsara endued with youth and beauty, who had gone there a little before. With an expression of pride in her countenance, mixed with a voluptuous languor of attitude, the damsel rose from the water after her ablutions were over. As she was gently treading on the bank, her attire which was loose became disordered. Seeing her attire disordered, the sage was smitten with burning desire. The next moment his vital fluid came out, in consequence of the violence of his emotion. The Rishi immediately held it in a vessel called a drona. Then, Drona sprang from the fluid thus preserved in that vessel by the wise Bharadwaja. And the child thus born studied all the Vedas and their branches. Before now Bharadwaja of great prowess and the foremost of those possessing a knowledge of arms, had communicated to the illustrious Agnivesa, a knowledge of the weapon called Agneya. The Rishi (Agnivesa) sprung from fire now communicated the knowledge of that great weapon to Drona the son of his preceptor.

There was a king named Prishata who was a great friend of Bharadwaja. About this time Prishata had a son born unto him, named Drupada. Drupada, the son of Prishata, used every day to come to the hermitage of Bharadwaja to play with Drona and study in his company. When Prishata was dead, this Drupada of mighty arms became the king of the northern Panchalas. About this time the illustrious Bharadwaja also ascended to heaven. Drona continuing to reside in his father's hermitage devoted himself to ascetic austerities. Having become well-versed in the Vedas and their branches and having burnt also all his sins by asceticism, the celebrated Drona, obedient to the injunctions of his father and moved by the desire of offspring married Kripi, the daughter of Saradwat. This woman, ever engaged in virtuous acts and the Agnihotra, and the austerest of penances, obtained a son named Aswatthaman. And as soon as Aswatthaman was born, he neighed like the (celestial) steed Ucchaihsravas. Hearing that cry, an invisible being in the skies said, “The voice of this child has, like the neighing of a horse, been audible all around. The child shall, therefore, be known by the name of Aswatthaman, (the horse-voiced). The son of Bharadwaja (Drona) was exceedingly glad at having obtained that child. Continuing to reside in that hermitage he devoted himself to the study of the science of arms.

It was about this time that Drona heard that the illustrious Brahmana Jamadagnya, that slayer of foes, that foremost one among all wielders of weapons, versed in all kinds of knowledge, had expressed a desire of giving away all his wealth to Brahmanas. Having heard of Rama's knowledge of arms and of his celestial weapons also, Drona set his heart upon them as also upon the knowledge of morality that Rama possessed. Then Drona of mighty arms, endued with high ascetic virtues, accompanied by disciples who were all devoted to vows ascetic austerities, set out for the Mahendra mountains. Arrived at Mahendra, the son of Bharadwaja possessed of high ascetic merit, beheld the son of Bhrigu, the exterminator of all foes, endued with great patience and with mind under complete control. Then, approaching with his disciples that scion of the Bhrigu race Drona, giving him his name, told him of his birth in the line of Angiras. Touching the ground with his head, he worshipped Rama's feet. Beholding the illustrious son of Jamadagni intent upon retiring into the woods after having given away all his wealth, Drona said, “Know me to have sprung from Bharadwaja, but not in any woman's womb! I am a Brahmana of high birth, Drona by name, come to you with the desire of obtaining your wealth.”

On hearing him, that illustrious grinder of the Kshatriya race replied, “You are welcome, O best of regenerate ones! Tell me what you desire.” Thus addressed by Rama, the son of Bharadwaja replied unto him, desirous of giving away the whole of his wealth, “O you of multifarious vows, I am a candidate for your eternal wealth,” “O you of ascetic wealth,” returned Rama, “My gold and whatever other wealth I had, have all been given away unto Brahmanas! This earth also, to the verge of the sea, decked with towns and cities, as with a garland of flowers, I have given unto Kasyapa. I have now my body only and my various valuable weapons left. I am prepared to give either my body or my weapons. Say, which you would have! I would give it you! Say quickly!”

Drona answered, “O son of Bhrigu, it beholds you to give me all your weapons together with the mysteries of hurling and recalling them.”

Saying, “So be it,” the son of Bhrigu gave all his weapons unto Drona, indeed, the whole science of arms with its rules and mysteries. Accepting them all, and thinking himself amply rewarded that best of Brahmanas then, glad at heart, set out, for (the city of) his friend Drupada.

Then, the mighty son of Bharadyaja presented himself before Drupada, and addressing that monarch, said, “Know me for your friend.” Thus addressed by his friend, the son of Bharadwaja, with a joyous heart, the lord of the Panchalas was ill-able to bear that speech. The king, intoxicated with the pride of wealth, contracted his brows in wrath, and with reddened eyes spake these words unto Drona, “O Brahmana, your intelligence is scarcely of a high order, inasmuch as you say unto me, all on a sudden, that you are my friend! O you of dull apprehension, great kings can never be friends with such luckless and indigent weights as you! It is true there had been friendship between you and me before, for we were then both equally circumstanced. But Time that impairs everything in its course, impairs friendship also. In this world, friendship never endures for ever in any heart. Time wears it off and anger destroys it too. Do not stick, therefore, to that worn-off friendship. Think not of it any longer. The friendship I had with you was for a particular purpose. Friendship can never subsist between a poor man and a rich man, between a man of letters and an unlettered mind, between a hero and a coward. Why do you desire the continuance of our former friendship? There may be friendship or hostility between persons equally situated as to wealth or might. The indigent and the affluent can neither be friends nor quarrel with each other. One of impure birth can never be a friend to one of pure birth; one who is not a car-warrior can never be a friend to one who is so; and one who is not a king never have a king for his friend. Therefore, why do you desire the continuance of our former friendship?”

Thus addressed by Drupada, the mighty son of Bharadwaja became filled with wrath, and reflecting for a moment, made up his mind as to his course of action. Seeing the insolence of the Panchala king, he wished to check it effectually. Hastily leaving the Panchala capital Drona bent his steps towards the capital of the Kurus, named after the elephant.

Arrived at Hastinapura, Drona continued to live privately in the house of Gautama Kripa. His mighty son Aswatthaman at intervals of Kripa's teaching, used to give the sons of Kunti lessons in the use of arms. But as yet none knew of Aswatthaman's prowess.

Drona teaches the Kauravas and the Pandavas

Drona had thus lived privately for some time in the house of Kripa when one day the heroic princes, all in a company, came out of Hastinapura. Coming out of the city, they began to play with a ball and roam about in gladness of heart. It so happened that the ball with which they had been playing fell into a well. Thereupon the princes strove their best to recover it from the well. But all the efforts the princes made to recover it proved futile. They then began to eye one another bashfully, and not knowing how to recover it, their anxiety became great. Just at this time they beheld a Brahmana near enough unto them, of darkish hue, decrepit and lean, sanctified by the performance of the Agnihotra and who had finished his daily rites of worship. Beholding that illustrious Brahmana, the princes who had despaired of success surrounded him immediately. Drona, seeing the princes unsuccessful, and conscious of his own skill, smiled a little, and addressing them said, “Shame on your Kshatriya might, and shame also on your skill in arms! You have been born in the race of Bharata! How is it that you cannot recover the ball from the bottom of this well? If you promise me a dinner today, I will, with these blades of grass, bring up not only the ball you have lost but this ring also that I now throw down!” Thus saying, Drona, taking off his ring, threw it down into the dry well. Then Yudhishthira, addressing Drona, said, “O Brahmana! Do you, with Kripa's permission, obtain of us that which would last you for life!” Thus addressed, Drona with smiles replied unto the Bharata princes, saying, “This handful of long grass I would invest, by my mantras, with the virtue of weapons. Behold these blades possess virtues that other weapons, have not! I will, with one of these blades, pierce the ball, and then pierce that blade with another, and that another with a third, and thus shall I, by a chain, bring up the ball.”

Then Drona did exactly what he had said. The princes were all amazed and their eyes expanded with delight. Regarding what they had witnessed to be very extraordinary, they said, “O learned Brahmana, do you bring up the ring also without loss of time.”

Then the illustrious Drona, taking a bow with an arrow, pierced the ring with that arrow and brought it up at once. Taking the ring thus brought up from the well still pierced with his arrow, he coolly gave it to the astonished princes. Then the latter, seeing the ring thus recovered, said, “We bow to you, O Brahmana! None else owns such skill. We long to know who you are and whose son. What also can we do for you?”

Thus addressed, Drona replied unto the princes, saying, “Do you repair unto Bhishma and describe to him my likeness and skill. The mighty one will recognize me.” The princes then saying, “So be it,” repaired unto Bhishma and telling him of the purport of that Brahmana's speech, related everything about his extraordinary feat. Hearing everything from the princes, Bhishma at once understood that the Brahmana was none else than Drona, and thinking that he would make the best preceptor for the princes, went in person unto him and welcoming him respectfully, brought him over to the place. Then Bhishma, adroitly asked him the cause of his arrival at Hastinapura. Asked by him, Drona represented everything as it had happened, saying, “O sir, in times past I went to the great Rishi Agnivesa for obtaining from him his weapons, desirous also of learning the science of arms. Devoted to the service of my preceptor, I lived with him for many years in the humble guise of a Brahmacharin, with matted locks on my head. At that time, actuated by the same motives, the prince of Panchala, the mighty Yajnasena, also lived in the same Ashrama. He became my friend, always seeking my welfare. I liked him much. Indeed, we lived together for many, many years. From our earliest years we had studied together and, indeed, he was my friend from boyhood, always speaking and doing what was agreeable to me. For gratifying me, he used to tell me, “O Drona, I am the favourite child of my illustrious father. When the king installs me as monarch of the Panchalas, the kingdom shall be yours. O friend, this, indeed, is my solemn promise. My dominion, wealth and happiness, shall all be dependent on you.” At last the time came for his departure. Having finished his studies, he bent his steps towards his country. I offered him my regards at the time, and, indeed, I remembered his words ever afterwards.

Some time after, in obedience to the injunctions of my father and tempted also by the desire of offspring, I married Kripi, who gifted with great intelligence, had observed many rigid vows, and was ever engaged in the Agnihotra and other sacrifices and rigid austerities. Gautami, in time, gave birth to a son named Aswatthaman of great prowess and equal in splendour unto the Sun himself. Indeed, I was pleased on having obtained Aswatthaman as much as my father had been on obtaining me.

And it so happened that one day the child Aswatthaman observing some rich men's sons drink milk, began to cry. At this I was so beside myself that I lost all knowledge of the point of the compass. Instead of asking him who had only a few kine so that if he gave me one, he would no longer be able to perform his sacrifices and thus sustain a loss of virtue, I was desirous of obtaining a cow from one who had many, and for that I wandered from country to country. But my wanderings proved unsuccessful, for I failed to obtain a milch cow. After I had come back unsuccessful, some of my son's playmates gave him water mixed with powdered rice. Drinking this, the poor boy, was deceived into the belief that he had taken milk, and began to dance in joy, saying, “O, I have taken milk. I have taken milk!” Beholding him dance with joy amid these playmates smiling at his simplicity, I was exceedingly touched. Hearing also the derisive speeches of busy-bodies who said, “Fie upon the indigent Drona, who strives not to earn wealth, whose son drinking water mixed with powdered rice mistakes it for milk and dances with joy, saying, “I have taken milk,--I have taken milk!”--I was quite beside myself. Reproaching myself much, I at last resolved that even if I should have to live cast off and censured by Brahmanas, I would not yet, from desire of wealth, be anybody's servant, which is ever hateful. Thus resolved, I went, for former friendship, unto the king of the Somakas, taking with me my dear child and wife. Hearing that he had been installed in the sovereignty of the Somakas, I regarded myself as blessed beyond compare. Joyfully I went unto that dear friend of mine seated on the throne, remembering my former friendship with him and also his own words to me. Approaching Drupada, I said, “O tiger among men, know me for your friend!”--Saying this, I approached him confidently as a friend should. But Drupada, laughing in derision cast me off as if I were a vulgar fellow. Addressing me he said, “Your intelligence scarcely seems to be of a high order inasmuch as approaching me suddenly, you say you are my friend! Time that impairs everything, impairs friendship also. My former friendship with you was for a particular purpose. One of impure birth can never be a friend of one who is of pure birth. One who is not a car-warrior can never be a friend of one who is such. Friendship can only subsist between persons that are of equal rank, but not between those that are unequally situated. Friendship never subsists for ever in my heart. Time impairs friendships, as also anger destroys them. Do you not stick, therefore, to that worn-off friendship between us. Think not of it any longer. The friendship I had with you, was for a special purpose. There cannot be friendship between a poor man and a rich man, between an unlettered hind and a man of letters, between a coward and a hero. Why do you, therefore, desire, the revival of our former friendship? O you of simple understanding, great kings can never have friendship with such indigent and luckless weight as you? One who is not a king can never have a king for his friend. I do not remember ever having promised you my kingdom. But, I can now give you food and shelter for one night.”--Thus addressed by him, I left his presence quickly with my wife, vowing to do that which I will certainly do soon enough. Thus insulted by Drupada, O Bhishma, I have been filled with wrath, I have come to the Kurus, desirous of obtaining intelligent and docile pupils. I come to Hastinapura to gratify your wishes. Tell me what I am to do.”

Thus addressed by the son of Bharadwaja, Bhishma said unto him, “String your bow, O Brahmana, and make the Kuru princes accomplished in arms. Worshipped by the Kurus, enjoy with a glad heart to your fill every comfort in their abode. You are the absolute lord, O Brahmana, of what ever wealth the Kurus have and of their sovereignty and kingdom! The Kurus are yours from this day. Think that as already accomplished which may be in your heart. You are, O Brahmana, obtained by us as the fruit of our great good luck. Indeed, the favour you has conferred upon me by your arrival is great.”

Thus worshipped by Bhishma, Drona, endued with great energy, took up his quarters in the abode of the Kurus and continued to live there, receiving their adorations. After he had rested a while, Bhishma, taking with him his grandsons, the Kaurava princes, gave them unto him as pupils, making at the same time many valuable presents. Bhishma also joyfully gave unto the son of Bharadwaja a house that was tidy and neat and well-filled with paddy and every kind of wealth. That first of archers, Drona, thereupon joyfully, accepted the Kauravas, viz., the sons of Pandu and Dhritarashtra, as his pupils. Having accepted them all as his pupils, one day Drona called them apart and making them touch his feet, said to them with a swelling heart, “I have in my heart a particular purpose. Promise me truly, you sinless ones, that when you have become skilled in arms, you will accomplish it.”

Hearing these words, the Kuru princes remained silent. But Arjuna vowed to accomplish it whatever it was. Drona then cheerfully clasped Arjuna to his bosom and took the scent of his head repeatedly, shedding tears of joy all the while. Then Drona endued with great prowess taught the sons of Pandu the use of many weapons both celestial and human. Many other princes also flocked to that best of Brahmanas for instruction in arms. The Vrishnis and the Andhakas, and princes from various lands, and the adopted son of Radha of the Suta caste, Karna, all became pupils of Drona. But of them all, the Suta child Karna, from jealousy, frequently defied Arjuna, and supported by Duryodhana, used to disregard the Pandavas. Arjuna, however, from devotion to the science of arms, always stayed by the side of his preceptor, and in skill, strength of arms, and perseverance, excelled all his class-fellows. Indeed, although the instruction the preceptor gave, was the same in the case of all, yet in lightness and skill Arjuna became the foremost of all his fellow-pupils. Drona was convinced that none of his pupils would at any time be able to be equal to that son of Indra.

Thus Drona continued giving lessons to the princes in the science of weapons. While he gave unto every one of his pupils a narrow-mouthed vessel for fetching water in order that much time may be spent in filling them, he gave unto his own son Aswatthaman a broad-mouthed vessel, so that, filling it quickly, he might return soon enough. In the intervals so gained, Drona used to instruct his own son in several superior methods of using weapons. Arjuna came to know of this, and thereupon filling his narrow-mouthed vessel with water by means of the Varuna weapon he used to come unto his preceptor at the same time with his preceptor's son. Accordingly the intelligent son of Pritha, that foremost of all men possessing a knowledge of weapons, had no inferiority to his preceptor's son in respect of excellence. Arjuna's devotion to the service of his preceptor as also to arms was very great and he soon became the favourite of his preceptor. Drona, beholding his pupil's devotion to arms, summoned the cook, and told him in secret, “Never give Arjuna his food in the dark, nor tell him that I have told you this.” A few days after, however, when Arjuna was taking his food, a wind arose, and thereupon the lamp that had been burning went out. But Arjuna, endued with energy, continued eating in the dark, his hand, from habit, going to his mouth. His attention being thus called to the force of habit, the strong-armed son of Pandu set his heart upon practising with his bow in the night. Drona, hearing the twang of his bowstring in the night, came to him, and clasping him, said, “Truly do I tell you that I shall do that unto you by which there shall not be an archer equal to you in this world.”

Thereafter Drona began to teach Arjuna the art of fighting on horse-back, on the back of elephants, on car, and on the ground. The mighty Drona also instructed Arjuna in fighting with the mace, the sword, the lance, the spear, and the dare. He also instructed him in using many weapons and fighting with many men at the same time. Hearing reports of his skill, kings and princes, desirous of learning the science of arms, flocked to Drona by thousands. Amongst those that came there, was a prince named Ekalavya, who was the son of Hiranyadhanus, king of the Nishadas. Drona, however, cognisant of all rules of morality, accepted not the prince as his pupil in archery, seeing that he was a Nishada who might in time excel all his high-born pupils. But, the Nishada prince, touching Drona's feet with bent head, wended his way into the forest, and there he made a clay-image of Drona, and began to worship it respectfully, as if it was his real preceptor, and practised weapons before it with the most rigid regularity. In consequence of his exceptional reverence for his preceptor and his devotion to his purpose, all the three processes of fixing arrows on the bowstring, aiming, and letting off became very easy for him.

And one day, the Kuru and the Pandava princes, with Drona's leave, set out in their cars on a hunting excursion. A servant, followed the party at leisure, with the usual implements and a dog. Having come to the woods, they wandered about, intent on the purpose they had in view. Meanwhile, the dog also, in wandering alone in the woods, came upon the Nishada prince Ekalavya. Beholding the Nishada of dark hue, of body besmeared with filth, dressed in black and bearing matted locks on head, the dog began to bark aloud.

Thereupon the Nishada prince, desirous of exhibiting his lightness of hand, sent seven arrows into its mouth before it could shut it. The dog, thus pierced with seven arrows, came back to the Pandavas. Those heroes, who beheld that sight, were filled with wonder, and, ashamed of their own skill, began to praise the lightness of hand and precision of aim by auricular precision (exhibited by the unknown archer). They thereupon began to seek in those woods for the unknown dweller therein that had shown such skill. The Pandavas soon found out the object of their search ceaselessly discharging arrows from the bow. Beholding that man of grim visage, who was totally a stranger to them, they asked, “Who are you and whose son?” Thus questioned, the man replied, “You heroes, I am the son of Hiranyadhanus, king of the Nishadas. Know me also for a pupil of Drona, labouring for the mastery of the are of arms.”

The Pandavas then, having made themselves acquainted with everything connected with him, returned to the city, and going unto Drona, told him of that wonderful feat of archery which they had witnessed in the woods. Arjuna, in particular, thinking all the while, Ekalavya, saw Drona in private and relying upon his preceptor's affection for him, said, “You had lovingly told me, clasping me, to your bosom, that no pupil of yours should be equal to me. Why then is there a pupil of yours, the mighty son of the Nishada king, superior to me?”

On hearing these words, Drona reflected for a moment, and resolving upon the course of action he should follow, took Arjuna with him and went unto the Nishada prince. He beheld Ekalavya with body besmeared with filth, matted locks (on head), clad in rags, bearing a bow in hand and ceaselessly shooting arrows therefrom. And when Ekalavya saw Drona approaching towards him, he went a few steps forward, and touched his feet and prostrated himself on the ground. The son of the Nishada king worshipping Drona, duly represented himself as his pupil, and clasping his hands in reverence stood before him (awaiting his commands). Then Drona, addressed Ekalavya, saying, “If, O hero, you are really my pupil, give me then my fees.” On hearing these words, Ekalavya was very much gratified, and said in reply, “O illustrious preceptor, what shall I give? Command me; for there is nothing, that I may not give unto my preceptor.” Drona answered, “O Ekalavya, if you are really intent on making me a gift, I should like then to have the thumb of your right hand.”

Hearing these cruel words of Drona, who had asked of him his thumb as tuition-fee, Ekalavya, ever devoted to truth and desirous also of keeping his promise, with a cheerful face and an unafflicted heart cut off without ado his thumb, and gave it unto Drona. After this, when the Nishada prince began once more to shoot with the help of his remaining fingers, he found, that he had lost his former lightness of hand. At this Arjuna became happy, the fever of jealousy having left him.

Two of Drona's pupils became very much accomplished in the use of mace. These were Duryodhana and Bhima, who were, however, always jealous of each other. Aswatthaman excelled everyone in the mysteries of the science of arms. The twins Nakula and Sahadeva excelled everybody in handling the sword. Yudhishthira surpassed everybody as a car-warrior; but Arjuna, however, outdistanced everyone in every respect—in intelligence, resourcefulness, strength and perseverance. Accomplished in all weapons, Arjuna became the foremost of even the foremost of car-warriors; and his fame spread all over the earth to the verge of the sea. Although the instruction was the same, the mighty Arjuna excelled all the princes in lightness of hand. Indeed, in weapons as in devotion to his preceptor, he became the foremost of them all. Amongst all the princes, Arjuna alone became an Atiratha - a car-warrior capable of fighting at one time with sixty thousand foes. The wicked sons of Dhritarashtra, beholding Bhimasena endued with great strength and Arjuna accomplished in all arms, became very jealous of them.

One day Drona desirous of testing the comparative excellence of all his pupils in the use of arms, collected them all together after their education had been completed. Before assembling them together, he had caused an artificial bird, as the would be aim, to be placed on the top of a neighbouring tree. When they were all together, Drona said unto them, “Take up your bows quickly and stand here aiming at that bird on the tree, with arrows fixed on your bowstrings; shoot and cut off the bird's head, as soon as I give the order. I shall give each of you a turn, one by one, my children.”

Then Drona, first addressed Yudhishthira saying, “O irrepressible one, aim with your arrow and shoot as soon as I give the order.” Yudhishthira took up the bow first, as desired by his preceptor, and stood aiming at the bird. But, Drona in an instant, addressing the Kuru prince standing with bow in hand, said, “Behold, O prince, that bird on top of the tree.” Yudhishthira replied unto his preceptor, saying, “I do.” But the next instant Drona again asked him, “What do you see now, O prince? See you the tree, myself or your brothers?” Yudhishthira answered, “I see the tree, myself, my brothers, and the bird.” Drona repeated his question, but was answered as often in the same words. Drona then, vexed with Yudhishthira, reproachingly said, “Stand you apart. It is not for you to strike the aim.” Then Drona repeated the experiment with Duryodhana and the other sons of Dhritarashtra, one after another, as also with his other pupils, Bhima and the rest, including the princes that had come unto him from other lands. But the answer in every case was the same as Yudhishthira's viz., “We behold the tree, yourself, our fellow-pupils, and the bird.” And reproached by their preceptor, they were all ordered, one after another, to stand apart.

When everyone had failed, Drona smilingly called Arjuna and said unto him, “By you the aim must be shot; therefore, turn your eyes to it. You must let fly the arrow as soon as I give the order. Therefore, O son, stand here with bow and arrow for an instant.” Thus addressed, Arjuna stood aiming at the bird as desired by his preceptor, with his bow bent. An instant after Drona asked him as in the case of others, “See you, O Arjuna, the bird there, the tree, and myself?” Arjuna replied, “I see the bird only, but nor the tree, or yourself.” Then the irrepressible Drona, well-pleased with Arjuna, the instant after, again said unto that mighty car-warrior amongst the Pandavas, “If you see the vulture, then describe it to me.” Arjuna said, “I see only the head of the vulture, not its body.” At these words of Arjuna, the hair on Drona's body stood on end from delight. He then said to Partha, “Shoot.” And the latter instantly let fly his arrow and with his sharp shaft speedily struck off the head of the vulture on the tree and brought it down to the ground. No sooner was the deed done than Drona clasped Arjuna to his bosom and thought Drupada with his friends had already been vanquished in fight.

The Tournament

Some time after, Drona, accompanied by all of his pupils, went to the bank of the Ganga to bathe in that sacred stream. When Drona had plunged into the stream, a strong alligator, sent as it were, by Death himself seized him by the thigh. Though himself quite capable, Drona in a seeming hurry asked his pupil to rescue him. He said, “O, kill this monster and rescue me.” Contemporaneously with this speech, Arjuna struck the monster within the water with five sharp arrows irresistible in their course, while the other pupils stood confounded, each at his place. Beholding Arjuna's readiness, Drona considered him to be the foremost of all his pupils, and became highly pleased. The monster, in the meantime cut into pieces by the arrows of Arjuna, released the thigh of illustrious Drona and gave up the ghost. The son of Bharadwaja then addressed the illustrious and mighty car-warrior Arjuna and said, “Accept, O you of mighty arms, this very superior and irresistible weapon called Brahmasira with the methods of hurling and recalling it. You must not, however, ever use it against any human foe, for if hurled at any foe endued with inferior energy, it might burn the whole universe. It is said, O child, that this weapon has not a peer in the three worlds. Keep it, therefore, with great care, and listen to what I say. If ever, O hero, any foe, not human, contends against you you may then employ it against him for compassing his death in battle.” Pledging himself to do what he was bid, Arjuna then, with joined hands, received that great weapon.

The preceptor then, addressing him again, said, “None else in this world will ever become a superior bowman to you. Vanquished you shall never be by any foe, and your achievements will be great.”

Beholding the sons of Dhritarashtra and Pandu accomplished in arms, Drona, addressed king Dhritarashtra, in the presence of Kripa, Somadatta, Balhika, Bhishma, Vyasa, and Vidura, and said, “O best of Kuru kings, your children have completed their education. With your permission, let them now show their proficiency.” Hearing him, the king said with a gladdened heart, “O best of Brahmanas, you have, indeed, accomplished a great deed. Command me yourself as to the place and the time where and when and the manner also in which the trial may be held. Grief arising from my own blindness makes me envy those who, blessed with sight, will behold my children's prowess in arm. O Vidura, do all that Drona says. I think there is nothing that can be more agreeable to me.” Then Vidura, giving the necessary assurance to the king, went out to do what he was bid. Drona endued with great wisdom, then measured out a piece of land that was void of trees and thickets and furnished with wells and springs. Upon the spot of land so measured out, Drona, that first of eloquent men, selecting a lunar day when the star ascendant was auspicious, offered up sacrifice unto the gods in the presence of the citizens assembled by proclamation to witness the same. Then, the artificers of the king built thereon a large and elegant stage according to the rules laid down in the scriptures, and it was furnished with all kinds of weapons. They also built another elegant hall for the lady-spectators. The citizens constructed many platforms while the wealthier of them pitched many spacious and high tents all around.

When the day fixed for the Tournament came, the king accompanied by his ministers, with Bhishma and Kripa, walking ahead, came unto that theatre of almost celestial beauty constructed of pure gold, and decked with strings of pearls and stones of lapis lazuli. Gandhari and Kunti, and the other ladies of the royal house-hold, in gorgeous attire and accompanied by their waiting women, joyfully ascended the platforms, like celestial ladies ascending the Sumeru mountain. The four orders including the Brahmanas and Kshatriyas, desirous of beholding the princes' skill in arms, left the city and came running to the spot. So impatient was every one to behold the spectacle, that the vast crowd assembled there in almost an instant. And with the sounds of trumpets and drums and the noise of many voices, that vast concourse appeared like an agitated ocean.

At last, Drona accompanied by his son, dressed in white (attire), with a white sacred thread, white locks, white beard, white garlands, and white sandal-paste rubbed over his body, entered the lists. It seemed as if the Moon himself accompanied by the planet Mars appeared in an unclouded sky. On entering Bharadwaja performed timely worship and caused Brahmanas versed in mantras to celebrate the auspicious rites. After auspicious and sweet-sounding musical instruments had been struck up as a propitiatory ceremony, some persons entered, equipped with various arms. Then having girded up their loins, those mighty warriors, those foremost ones of Bharata's race (the princes) entered, furnished with finger-protectors (gauntlet), and bows, and quivers. With Yudhishthira at their head, the valiant princes entered in order of age and began to show wonderful skill with their weapons. Some of the spectators lowered their heads, apprehending fall of arrows while others fearlessly gazed on with wonder. Riding swiftly on horses and managing them 'dexterously' the princes began to hit marks with shafts engraved with their respective names. And seeing the prowess of the princes armed with bows and arrows, the spectators thought that they were beholding the city of the Gandharvas, became filled with amazement. All on a sudden, some hundreds and thousands, with eyes wide open in wonder, exclaimed, “Well done! Well done!” Having repeatedly displayed their skill and dexterity in the use of bows and arrows and in the management of cars, the mighty warriors took up their swords and bucklers, and began to range the lists, playing their weapons. The spectators saw (with wonder) their agility, the symmetry of their bodies, their grace, their calmness, the firmness of their grasp and their deftness in the use of sword and buckler. Then Vrikodara and Suyodhana, internally delighted (at the prospect of fight), entered the arena, mace in hand, like two single-peaked mountains. Those mighty-armed warriors braced their loins, and summoning all their energy, roared like two infuriate elephants contending for a cow-elephant; and like two infuriated elephants those mighty heroes faultlessly (in consonance with the dictates of the science of arm) careered right and left, circling the lists. Vidura described to Dhritarashtra and the mother of the Pandavas (Kunti) and Gandhari, all the feats of the princes.

Upon the Kuru king and Bhima, the foremost of all endued with strength, having entered the arena, the spectators were divided into two parties in consequence of the partiality swaying their affections. Some cried, “Behold the heroic king of the Kurus!”--some—“Behold Bhima!”--And on account of these cries, there was, all on a sudden, a loud uproar. Seeing the place become like a troubled ocean, the intelligent Bharadwaja said unto his dear son, Aswatthaman, “Restrain both these mighty warriors so proficient in arms. Let not the ire of the assembly be provoked by this combat of Bhima and Duryodhana.”

Then the son of the preceptor of the princes restrained those combatants with their maces uplifted and resembling two swollen oceans agitated by the winds that blow at the universal dissolution. Drona himself entering the yard of the arena commanded the musicians to stop, and with a voice deep as that of the clouds addressed these words, “Behold you now that Partha who is dearer to me than my own son, the master of all arms, the son of Indra himself, and like unto the younger brother of Indra, (Vishnu)! And having performed the propitiatory rites, the youthful Phalguna, equipped with the finger protector (gauntlet) and his quiver full of shafts and bow in hand, donning his golden mail, appeared in the lists even like an evening cloud reflecting the rays of the setting sun and illumined by the hues of the rainbow and flashes of lightning.

On seeing Arjuna, the whole assembly were delighted and conchs began to be blown all around with other musical instruments. There arose a great uproar in consequence of the spectators' exclaiming,--“This is the graceful son of Kunti!”—“This is the middle (third) Pandava!”—“This is the son of the mighty Indra!”--'This is the protector of the Kurus”—“This is the foremost of those versed in arms!”—“This is the foremost of all cherishers of virtue!”—“This is the foremost of the persons of correct behaviour, the great repository of the knowledge of manners!” At those exclamations, the tears of Kunti, mixing with the milk of her breast, wetted her bosom.  His ears being filled with that uproar, Dhritarashtra, asked Vidura in delight, “O Kshatri, what is this great uproar for, like unto that of the troubled ocean, arising all on a sudden and rending the very heavens?” Vidura replied, “O mighty monarch, the son of Pandu and Pritha, Phalguna, clad in mail has entered the lists. Hence this uproar!” Dhritarashtra said, “O Vidura, by the three fires sprung from Pritha who is even like the sacred fuel, I have, indeed, been blessed, favoured and protected!”

When the spectators, excited with delight, had somewhat regained their equanimity, Bibhatsu began to display his lightness in the use of weapons. By the Agneya weapon, he created fire, and by the Varuna weapon he created water, by the Vayavya weapon, he created air, and by the Parjanya weapon he created clouds. By the Bhauma weapon, he created land, and by the Parvatya weapon, he brought mountains into being. By the Antardhana weapon all these were made to disappear. Now Arjuna appeared tall and now short; now he was seen on the yoke of his car, and now on the car itself; and the next moment he was on the ground. The hero favoured by his practised dexterity, hit with his various butts--some tender, some fine and some of thick composition. Like one shaft, he let fly at a time into the mouth of a moving iron-boar five shafts together from his bow-string. That hero of mighty energy discharged one and twenty arrows into the hollow of a cow's horn hung up on a rope swaying to and fro. In this manner, Arjuna showed his profound skill in the use of sword, bow, and mace, walking over the lists in circles.

When the exhibition had well-nigh ended, the excitement of the spectators had cooled, and the sounds of instruments had died out there was heard proceeding from the gate, the slapping of arms, betokening might and strength, and even like unto the roar of the thunder. As soon as this sound was heard, the assembled multitude instantly thought, “Are the mountains splitting or is the earth itself rending asunder, or is the welkin resounding with the roar of gathering clouds? Then all the spectators turned their eyes towards the gate. Drona stood, surrounded by the five brothers, the sons of Pritha, and looked like the moon in conjunction with the five-starred constellation Hasta. Duryodhana, that slayer of foes, stood up in haste and was surrounded by his century of haughty brothers with Aswatthaman amongst them. That prince, mace in hand, thus surrounded by his hundred brothers with uplifted weapons appeared like Purandara in days of yore, encircled by the celestial host on the occasion of the battle with the Danavas.

When the spectators, with eyes expanded with wonder, made way for that subjugator of hostile cities, Karna, that hero with his natural mail and face brightened with ear-rings, took up his bow and girded on his sword, and then entered the spacious lists, like a walking cliff. That far-famed destroyer of hostile hosts, the large-eyed Karna, was born of Pritha in her maidenhood. He was a portion of the hot-beamed Sun and his energy and prowess were like unto those of the lion, or the bull, or the leader of a herd of elephants. In splendour he resembled the Sun, in loveliness the Moon, and in energy the fire. Begotten by the Sun himself, he was tall in stature like a golden palm tree, and, endued with the vigour of youth, he was capable of slaying a lion. Handsome in features, he was possessed of countless accomplishments. The mighty-armed warrior, eyeing all around the arena, bowed indifferently to Drona and Kripa. The entire assembly, motionless and with steadfast gaze, thought, “Who is he?” They became agitated in their curiosity to know the warrior. That foremost of eloquent men, the offspring of the Sun, in a voice deep as that of the clouds, addressed his unknown brother, the son of the Indra, saying, “O Partha, I shall perform feats before this gazing multitude; excelling all you have performed! Beholding them, you shall be amazed.” He had hardly done when the spectators stood up all at once, uplifted by some instrument, as it were. Duryodhana was filled with delight, while Bibhatsu was instantly all abashment and anger. Then with the permission of Drona, the mighty Karna, delighting in battle, there did all that Partha had done before. Duryodhana with his brothers thereupon embraced Karna in joy and then addressed him saying, “Welcome O mighty-armed warrior! I have obtained you by good fortune. Live you as you please, and command me, and the kingdom of the Kurus.” Karna replied, “When you has said it, I regard it as already accomplished. I only long for your friendship. O lord, my wish is even for a single combat with Arjuna.” Duryodhana said, “Do you with me enjoy the good things of life! Be you the benefactor of your friend, and, O repressor of enemies, place you your feet on the heads of all foes.”

Arjuna, after this, deeming himself disgraced, said unto Karna stationed amidst the brothers like unto a cliff, “That path which the unwelcome intruder and the uninvited talker cometh to, shall be yours, O Karna, for you shall be slain by me.” Karna replied, “This arena is meant for all, not for you alone, O Phalguna! They are kings who are superior in energy; and verily the Kshatriya regards might and might alone. What need of altercation which is the exercise of the weak? O Bharata, speak then in arrows until with arrows I strike off your head today before the preceptor himself!”

Hastily embraced by his brothers, Partha, with the permission of Drona, advanced for the combat. On the other side, Karna, having been embraced by Duryodhana with his brothers, taking up his bow and arrows, stood ready for the fight. Then the firmament became enveloped in clouds emitting flashes of lightning, and the coloured bow of Indra appeared shedding its effulgent rays. The clouds seemed to laugh on account of the rows of white cranes that were then on the wing. Seeing Indra thus viewing the arena from affection for his son, the sun too dispersed the clouds from over his own offspring. Phalguna remained deep hid under cover of the clouds, while Karna remained visible, being surrounded by the rays of the Sun. The son of Dhritarashtra stood by Karna, and Bharadwaja and Kripa and Bhishma remained with Partha. The assembly was divided, as also the female spectators. Knowing the state of things, Kunti the daughter of Bhoja, swooned away. By the help of female attendants, Vidura, versed in the lore of all duties, revived the insensible Kunti by sprinkling sandal-paste and water on her person. On being restored to consciousness, Kunti, seeing her two sons clad in mail, was seized with fear, but she could do nothing to protect them. Beholding both the warriors with bows strung in their hands Kripa, knowing all duties and cognisant of the rules regulating duels, addressed Karna, saying “This Pandava, who is the youngest son of Kunti, belongs to the Kaurava race: he will engage in combat with you. But, O mighty-armed one, you too must tell us your lineage and the names of your father and mother and the royal line of which you are the ornament. Learning all this, Partha will fight with you or not as he will think fit. Sons of kings never fight with men of inglorious lineage.”

When he was thus addressed by Kripa, Karna's countenance became like unto a lotus pale and torn with the pelting showers in the rainy season. Duryodhana said, 'O preceptor, verily the scriptures have it that three classes of persons can lay claim to royalty: persons of the blood royal, heroes, and lastly, those that lead armies. If Phalguna is unwilling to fight with one who is not a king, I will install Karna as king of Anga.”

At that very moment, seated on a golden seat, with parched paddy and with flowers and water-pots and much gold, the mighty warrior Karna was installed king by Brahmanas versed in mantras. The royal umbrella was held over his head, while Yak-tails waved around that redoubtable hero of graceful mien. The cheers, having ceased, king Karna said unto the Kaurava Duryodhana, “O tiger among monarchs, what shall I give unto you that may compare with your gift of a kingdom? O king, I will do all you bid!” Suyodhana said unto him, “I eagerly wish for your friendship.” Thus spoken to, Karna replied, “Be it so.” They embraced each other in joy, and experienced great happiness.

After this, with his sheet loosely hanging down, Adhiratha entered the lists, perspiring and trembling, and supporting himself on a staff.

Seeing him, Karna left his bow and impelled by filial regard bowed down his head still wet with the water of inauguration. Them the charioteer, hurriedly covering his feet with the end of his sheet, addressed Karna crowned with success as his son. The charioteer embraced Karna and from excess of affection bedewed his head with tears, that head still wet with the water sprinkled over it on account of the coronation as king of Anga. Seeing the charioteer, the Pandava Bhimasena took Karna for a charioteer's son, and said by way of ridicule, “O son of a charioteer, you do not deserve death in fight at the hands of Partha. As befits your race take you anon the whip. O worst of mortals, surely you are not worthy to sway the kingdom of Anga, even as a dog does not deserve the butter placed before the sacrificial fire.” Karna, thus addressed, with slightly quivering lips fetched a deep sigh, looked at the God of the day in the skies. Even as a mad elephant rises from an assemblage of lotuses, the mighty Duryodhana rose in wrath from among his brothers, and addressed that performer of dreadful deeds, Bhimasena, present there, “O Vrikodara, it beholds you not to speak such words. Might is the cardinal virtue of a Kshatriya, and even a Kshatriya of inferior birth deserves to be fought with. The lineage of heroes, like the sources of a lordly river, is ever unknown. The fire that covers the whole world rises from the waters. The thunder that slays the Danavas was made of a bone of a mortal named Dadhichi. The illustrious deity Guha, who combines in his composition the portions of all the other deities is of a lineage unknown. Some call him the offspring of Agni; some, of Krittika, some, of Rudra, and some of Ganga. It has been heard by us that persons born in the Kashatriya order have become Brahmanas. Viswamitra and others born Kshatriyas have obtained the eternal Brahma. The foremost of all wielders of weapons, the preceptor Drona has been born in a waterpot and Kripa of the race of Gotama has sprung from a clump of heath. Your own births, you Pandava princes, are known to me. Can a she-deer bring forth a tiger like Karna, of the splendour of the Sun, and endued with every auspicious mark, and born also with a natural mail and ear-rings? This prince among men deserves the sovereignty of the world, not of Anga only, in consequence of the might of his arm and my swearing to obey him in everything. If there be anybody here to whom all that I have done unto Karna has become intolerable, let him ascend his chariot and bend his bow with the help of his feet.”

Then there arose a confused murmur amongst the spectators approving of Duryodhana's speech. The sun, however, went down, but prince Duryodhana taking Karna's hand led him out of the arena lighted with countless lamps. The Pandavas also, accompanied by Drona and Kripa and Bhishma, returned to their abodes. The people, too, came away, some naming Arjuna, some Karna, and some Duryodhana as the victor of the day. Kunti, recognising her son in Karna by the various auspicious marks on his person and beholding him installed in the sovereignty of Anga, was from motherly affection, very pleased. Duryodhana, having obtained Karna in this way, banished his fears arising out of Arjuna's proficiency in arms. The heroic Karna,

Accomplished in arms, began to gratify Duryodhana by sweet speeches, while Yudhishthira was impressed with the belief that there was no warrior on earth like unto Karna.

Guru-dakshina

Beholding the Pandavas and the son of Dhritarashtra accomplished in arms, Drona thought the time had come when he could demand the preceptorial fee. And, O king, assembling his pupils one day together, the preceptor Drona asked of them the fee, saying, “Seize Drupada, the king of Panchala in battle and bring him unto me. That shall be the most acceptable fee.” Those warriors then answering, “So be it”, speedily mounted up on their chariots, and for bestowing upon their preceptor the fee he had demanded, marched out, accompanied by him. Those bulls among men, smiting the Panchalas on their way, laid siege to the capital of the great Drupada. Duryodhana and Karna and the mighty Yuyutsu, and Duhsasana and Vikarna and Jalasandha and Sulochana,--these and many other foremost of Kshatriya princes of great prowess, vied with one another in becoming the foremost in the attack. The princes, riding in first class chariots and following the cavalry, entered the hostile capital, and proceeded along the streets.

Meanwhile, the king of Panchala, beholding that mighty force and hearing its loud clamour, came out of his palace, accompanied by his brothers. Though king Yajnasena was well-armed, the Kuru army assailed him with a shower of arrows, uttering their war-cry. Yajnasena, however, not easy to be subdued in battle, approaching the Kurus upon his white chariot, began to rain his fierce arrows around.

Before the battle commenced, Arjuna, beholding the pride of prowess displayed by the princes, addressed his preceptor, that best of Brahmanas, Drona, and said, “We shall exert ourselves after these have displayed their prowess. The king of Panchala can never be taken on the field of the battle by any of these.” Having said this, the sinless son of Kunti surrounded by his brothers, waited outside the town at a distance of a mile from it. Meanwhile Drupada beholding the Kuru host, rushed forward and pouring a fierce shower of arrows around, terribly afflicted the Kuru ranks. Such was his lightness of motion on the field of battle that, though he was fighting unsupported on a single chariot, the Kurus from panic supposed that there were many Drupadas opposed to them. The fierce arrows of that monarch fell fast on all sides, till conchs and trumpets and drums by thousands began to be sounded by the Panchalas from their houses (giving the alarm). Then there arose from the mighty Panchala host a roar terrible as that of the lion, while the twang of their bow-strings seemed to rend the very heavens. Then Duryodhana and Vikarna, Suvahu and Dirghalochana and Duhsasana becoming furious, began to shower their arrows upon the enemy. But the mighty bowman, Prishata's son, invincible in battle, though very much pierced with the arrows of the enemy, instantly began to afflict the hostile ranks with greater vigour. Careering over the field of battle like a fiery wheel, king Drupada with his arrows smote Duryodhana and Vikarna and even the mighty Karna and many other heroic princes and numberless warriors, and slaked their thirst for battle. Then all the citizens showered upon the Kurus various missiles like clouds showering rain-drops upon the earth. Young and old, they all rushed to battle, assailing the Kurus with vigour. The Kauravas, then, beholding the battle become frightful, broke and fled wailing towards the Pandavas.

The Pandavas, hearing the terrible wail of the beaten host, reverentially saluted Drona and ascended their chariots. Then Arjuna hastily bidding Yudhishthira not to engage in the fight, rushed forward, appointing the sons of Madri Nakula and Sahadeva the protectors of his chariot-wheels, while Bhimasena ever fighting in the van, mace in hand, ran ahead. The sinless Arjuna, thus accompanied by his brothers, hearing the shouts of the enemy, advanced towards them, filling the whole region with the rattle of his chariot-wheels. Like a Makara entering the sea, the mighty-armed Bhima, resembling a second Yama, mace in hand, entered the Panchala ranks, fiercely roaring like the ocean in a tempest. Bhima, mace in hand, first rushed towards the array of elephants in the hostile force, while Arjuna, proficient in battle, assailed that force with the prowess of his arms. Bhima, like the great Destroyer himself, began to slay those elephants with his mace. Those huge animals, like unto mountains, struck with Bhima's mace, had their heads broken into pieces. Covered with stream of blood, they began to fall upon the ground like cliffs loosened by thunder. And the Pandavas prostrated on the ground elephants and horses and cars by thousands and slew many foot-soldiers and many car-warriors. Indeed, as a herdsman in the woods drives before him with his staff countless cattle with ease, so did Vrikodara drive before him the chariots and elephants of the hostile force.

Meanwhile, Phalguna, impelled by the desire of doing good unto Bharadwaja's son, assailed the son of Prishata with a shower of arrows and felled him from the elephant on which he was seated. Arjuna, like unto the terrible fire that consumeth all things at the end of the Yuga, began to prostrate on the ground horses and cars and elephants by thousands. The Panchalas and the Srinjayas, on the other hand, thus assailed by the Pandava, met him with a perfect shower of weapons of various kinds. They sent up a loud shout and fought desperately with Arjuna. The battle became furious and terrible to behold. Hearing the enemy's shouts, the son of Indra was filled with wrath and assailing the hostile host with a thick shower of arrows, rushed towards it furiously afflicting it with renewed vigour. They who observed the illustrious Arjuna at that time could not mark any interval between his fixing the arrows on the bowstring and letting them off. Loud were the shouts that rose there, mingled with cheers of approval. Then the king of the Panchalas, accompanied by the generalissimo of his forces Satyajit, rushed with speed at Arjuna like the Asura Sambara rushing at the chief of the celestials in days of yore. Then Arjuna covered the king of Panchala with a shower of arrows. Then there arose a frightful uproar among the Panchala host like unto the roar of a mighty lion springing at the leader of a herd of elephants. Beholding Arjuna rushing at the king of Panchala to seize him, Satyajit of great prowess rushed at him. The two warriors, like unto Indra and the Asura Virochana's son Bali, approaching each other for combat, began to grind each other's ranks. Then Arjuna with great force pierced Satyajit with ten keen shafts at which feat the spectators were all amazed. But Satyajit, without losing any time, assailed Arjuna with a hundred shafts. Then that mighty car-warrior, Arjuna, endued with remarkable lightness of motion, thus covered by that shower of arrows, rubbed his bow-string to increase the force and velocity of his shafts. Then cutting in twain his antagonist's bow, Arjuna rushed at the king of the Panchalas, but Satyajit, quickly taking up a tougher bow, pierced with his arrows Partha, his chariot, charioteer, and horses. Arjuna, thus assailed in battle by the Panchala warrior, forgave not his foe. Eager to slay him at once, he pierced with a number of arrows his antagonist's horses, flags, bow, clenched left fist, charioteer, and the attendant at his back. Then Satyajit, finding his bows repeatedly cut in twain and his horses slain, desisted from the fight.

The king of the Panchalas, beholding his general thus discomfited in the encounter, himself began to shower his arrows upon the Pandava prince. Then Arjuna, that foremost of warriors, crowned with success, began to fight furiously, and quickly cutting his enemy's bow in twain as also his flagstaff which he caused to fall down, pierced his antagonist's horses, and charioteer also with five arrows. Then throwing aside his bow Arjuna took his quiver, and taking out a scimitar and sending forth a loud shout, leaped from his own chariot upon that of his foe. Standing there with perfect fearlessness he seized Drupada as Garuda seizes a huge snake after agitating the waters of the ocean. At the sight of this, the Panchala troops ran away in all directions.

Then Dhananjaya, having thus exhibited the might of his arm in the presence of both hosts, sent forth a loud shout and came out of the Panchala ranks. Beholding him returning with his captive, the princes began to lay waste Drupada's capital. Addressing them Arjuna said, “This best of monarchs, Drupada, is a relative of the Kuru heroes. Therefore, O Bhima, slay not his soldiers. Let us only give unto our preceptor his fee.”

Thus prevented by Arjuna, the mighty Bhimasena, though unsatiated with the exercise of battle, refrained from the act of slaughter. The princes then, taking Drupada with them after having seized him on the field of battle along with his friends and counsellors, offered him unto Drona. Drona beholding Drupada thus brought under complete control--humiliated and deprived of wealth--remembered that monarch's former hostility and addressing him said, “Your kingdom and capital have been laid waste by me. But fear not for your life, though it depends now on the will of your foe. Do you now desire to revive your friendship with me?” Having said this, he smiled a little and again said, “Fear not for your life, brave king! We, Brahmanas, are ever forgiving. O bull among Kshatriyas, my affection and love for you have grown with me in consequence of our having sported together in childhood in the hermitage. Therefore, O king, I ask for your friendship again. And as a boon unasked, I give you half the kingdom that was yours. You told me before that none who was not a king could be a king's friend. Therefore is it, O Yajnasena, that I retain half your kingdom. You are the king of all the territory lying on the southern side of the Bhagirathi, while I become king of all the territory on the north of that river. And, O Panchala, if it pleases you, know me hence for your friend.”

On hearing these words, Drupada answered, “You are of noble soul and great prowess. Therefore, O Brahmana, I am not surprised at what you do. I am very much gratified with you, and I desire your eternal friendship.”

After this, Drona released the king of Panchala, and cheerfully performing the usual offices of regard, bestowed upon him half the kingdom. Thenceforth Drupada began to reside sorrowfully in the city of Kampilya within the province of Makandi on the banks of the Ganga filled with many towns and cities. After his defeat by Drona, Drupada also ruled the southern Panchalas up to the bank of the Charmanwati river. Drupada from that day was well-convinced that he could not, by Kshatriya might alone, defeat Drona, being very much his inferior in Brahma spiritual power. He, therefore, began to wander over the whole earth to find out the means of obtaining a son who would subjugate his Brahmana foe.

Meanwhile Drona continued to reside in Ahicchatra. Thus, was the territory of Ahicchatra full of towns and cities, obtained by Arjuna, and bestowed upon Drona.