Dronacharya's Revenge

Karn had no answer and bowed his head in shame. Just then, Duryodhan 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 Duryodhan's newfound friendship with Karn, but Kunti was overjoyed. Her eldest son had finally received the recognition she had never been able to give him.

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

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

"Gurudev, here is your guru dakshina," said Arjun, presenting Drupad before Dronacharya.

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

"You said that friendship can only be between equals," continued Dron. "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."

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