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

Scene 1

Continued from the last scene of the previous episode: Shakuni tells Dhritarashtra that Dushshasana's idea of killing the Pandavas was the only way Duryodhana could ascend the throne. Dhritarashtra opposes this vehemently, recalling Pandu's love for him and his selfless renunciation of the kingdom and leaving for the forest. Shakuni then suggests he should avail the counsel of an able administrator called Kanika who was wise in running political affairs.

Scene 2

Arjuna goes hunting to a forest. A dog barks non-stop at him. Arjuna tries unsuccessfully to silence him, and in exasperation aims an arrow at him when a series of arrows arrests the dog's mouth in such a way that disables the bark without killing the animal. Impressed, Arjuna asks the hunter boy who shot the arrows who taught him this trick. The boy replies his Guru was Dronacharya. Arjuna is stunned.

Scene 3

Kanika tells Dhritarashtra the importance of keeping the goal in view, which in this case is stationing Duryodhana on the throne. He tells him that the king has to be ruthless in dealing with enemies, even if it means contravening the principles of rightful conduct. The king should befriend an enemy he cannot conquer, and at the opportune moment smash his head.
Dhritarashtra is confused, but Kanika drills cunning thoughts into his head.
As Kanika comes out of Dhritarashtra's room, he finds himself opposite Vidura. Vidura asks the reason for his visit and is told that he was summoned by the king to consult on important matters. Vidura asks him to meet Bhishma but Kanika excuses himself. Vidura meets Dhritarashtra and asks why he was not consulted as was customary and why Kanika had to be called for advice. Dhritarashtra accuses Vidura of being partial to Pandavas, which is why he has lost trust in Vidura. Vidura is hurt, and swears that he will never leave Dhritarshtra's side under any circumstances.

Scene 4

Drona and Arjuna reach the forest and meet Ekalavya. Ekalavya reminds Drona that he had once approached him while he was teaching archery to his students. When Drona came to know Ekalavya was the son of a tribal chief, he refused to teach him and turned him away, saying the other students were either from the royal family or were high class Brahmins. Ekalavya demonstrates his prowess and determination, but Drona declares he is no reformist, and would not like to alienate other students. He then blesses him.
With his Guru's blessings, Ekalavya creates Drona's image in clay and worships him everyday before practicing the archery. Drona then tells him he could call him his preceptor only if he gave him his 'guru dakshina'. Ekalavya is elated and asks him what he wanted. Drona demands his right thumb and Ekalavya cuts it off with a lancet.

Scene 5

Shakuni, Duryodhana and Dushshasana come to meet Dhritarashtra in his chambers. Shakuni asks what his reaction was to Kanika's advice. Dhritarashtra is still averse to the idea of killing Pandu's sons for the sake of a throne for his son. He is also worried that the citizens of Hastinapur are fond of the Pandavas and any plot to kill them would expose them. Shakuni assures that he would take responsibility for the safety of the Pandvas, and asks for Dhritarastra's permission to send them out of Hastinapur during which time they would work to swing the minds of the citizens in Kauravas' favor. Dhritarashtra agrees.