Dronacharya's Revenge

Karna had no answer and bowed his head in shame. Just then, Duryodhana stood up and announced, "Bravery is not confined to any lineage. This young man is a true hero. I bestow upon him the kingdom of Anga and will conduct his coronation immediately. Look at his natural armor and radiant face. He is no ordinary man. He is not only worthy of becoming the King of Anga, but that of the entire earth."

The Pandavas were concerned about Duryodhana's newfound friendship with Karna, but Kunti was overjoyed. Her eldest son had finally received the recognition she had never been able to give him.

After the parade concluded, Drona summoned his students and said, "Your education is finished, and it is time for you to give me guru dakshina. Capture Drupada, the King of Panchala, and bring him to me. That will be my guru dakshina."

The Kauravas and Pandavas armed themselves and set out for the kingdom of Panchala. Drupada was a great warrior, and so were his bodyguards. Arjuna realized that he could be taken hostage only when he was separated from his bodyguards. The Kauravas were no match for the mighty Panchala troops, who then attacked the Pandavas. Bhima attacked the Panchala soldiers with his mace, killing everyone who dared to challenge him. When Arjuna's chariot neared Drupada's, Arjuna jumped into Drupada's chariot and brandished his sword. Finally, Drupada was captured.

"Gurudeva, here is your guru dakshina," said Arjuna, presenting Drupada before Dronacharya.

"I hope you haven't forgotten me," Drona told Drupada. The latter remained mute, his head bowed.

"You said that friendship can only be between equals," continued Drona. "I am your equal now, and your kingdom is mine. Your life is now in my hands, but I will spare it based on our old friendship. I will also return half your kingdom to you. The portion south of the Ganga will be yours, whereas the portion north of the Ganga will be mine."

Drupada, also known as Yagyasena, was a powerful Kshatriya king. By capturing him, the Pandavas had proved once again that they were stronger than the Kauravas. In Hastinapura, Bhishma called for an assembly to decide who would be the heir to the throne. Everyone loved Yudhishthira because of his virtues. Dhritarashtra had to suppress his true desire and announce that Yudhishthira would be crowned prince. Meanwhile, Duryodhana was determined not to let Yudhishthira become king under any circumstances.