Drona Asks Ekalavya His Right Thumb as Guru Dakshina : Episode 30

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Recap of

previous episode : The people of Hastinapura begin favouring Yudhishtra as the next king, leading to heated debate in court. Vidura defends the Pandavas’ claim, while Shakuni and Duryodhana argue for Duryodhana’s right to the throne. With no consensus, Dhritarashtra delays the decision. Meanwhile in Panchala, Drupada withdraws from public life, unable to bear the humiliation of defeat. In the royal chambers, Dushasana urges eliminating the Pandavas, and Shakuni privately persuades Dhritarashtra that the Pandavas must be removed for the Kauravas to retain power.

Shakuni’s Counsel

Shakuni presses Dhritarashtra to accept Dushasana’s idea: the Pandavas must be killed for Duryodhana to claim the throne. Dhritarashtra is shaken. He recalls Pandu’s love and sacrifice—how he relinquished the kingdom and withdrew to the forest so Dhritarashtra could rule without guilt. Murdering Pandu’s sons feels unthinkable.

Shakuni changes strategy and advises Dhritarashtra to seek counsel from Kanika, an expert in statecraft known for ruthless political wisdom.

Arjuna’s First Encounter with Ekalavya

Arjuna is hunting in a dense forest when a dog barks relentlessly at him. Irritated, he prepares to silence it with an arrow—only to see a volley of arrows suddenly seal the dog’s mouth without harming it. Arjuna is stunned by the skill.

He seeks out the archer and finds a young tribal boy. The boy says simply: “I learnt archery from Guru Drona.” Arjuna stands speechless.

Kanika's Doctrine of Power

Kanika meets Dhritarashtra and lays out his philosophy: a ruler must focus only on the goal—Duryodhana’s rise to the throne. Morality is secondary. The king must feign friendship with stronger enemies, wait patiently, and strike without remorse when the time is right.

Dhritarashtra is unsettled, but the seeds of manipulation take root.

As Kanika leaves, he runs into Vidura, who questions his presence. Vidura later confronts Dhritarashtra, asking why he was bypassed in decisions. Dhritarashtra accuses him of siding with the Pandavas. Wounded, Vidura still vows never to abandon him.

Ekalavya’s Devotion

Drona and Arjuna trace the mysterious archer and find Ekalavya. The boy recalls approaching Drona earlier, only to be denied training because he was a tribal and not of royal or Brahmin lineage.

Determined, Ekalavya created a clay idol of Drona, worships it daily, and trains rigorously. Moved by his dedication, Drona grants him blessings—but insists that if he truly considers Drona his Guru, he must offer guru dakshina. He demands Ekalavya’s right thumb.

Without hesitation, Ekalavya cuts it off and presents it. His archery future is destroyed, but his loyalty remains unbroken.

The First Plot to Remove the Pandavas

Shakuni, Duryodhana, and Dushasana return to Dhritarashtra with follow-up plans. Dhritarashtra remains unwilling to spill blood and afraid of public outrage—Hastinapura loves the Pandavas.

Shakuni proposes a subtler beginning: send the Pandavas away from the capital while the Kauravas reshape public opinion and plan their next moves. He promises their safety.

Dhritarashtra finally agrees.

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