Ekalavya: The Unsung Hero of the Mahabharata

Ekalavya's tale is one of determination, and sacrifice. Learn about this legendary character from the Mahabharata

'Have you heard of Ekalavya?' I asked my friend.

'Yeah,' he said. 'He was the Nishada boy who was an amazing archer, right?'

'That's right,' I said. 'And his story is really inspiring.'

'I've never heard it,' he said. 'Tell me about it.'

So I told him the story.

I told him how Ekalavya was a young boy who wanted to learn archery from Dronacharya, the teacher of the Pandavas and Kauravas. 

But Dronacharya refused to teach Ekalavya because he was a Nishada, a low-caste tribe.

'That's so unfair,' my friend said.

(Dronacharya had his own reasons. Individuals and professions were matched based on the Varna system prevalent at that time. Dronacharya did not have the mandate to break the rules of the system)

'I know,' I said. 'But Ekalavya didn't give up. He went into the forest and made an image of Dronacharya. Then he started practicing archery in front of the image.'

'Wow,' my friend said. 'That's dedication.'

'Yeah,' I said. 'Ekalavya practiced for many years, and he became an amazing archer. He was even better than Arjuna, the Pandava prince who was Dronacharya's favorite student.'

'That's incredible,' my friend said.

'One day, Dronacharya was hunting in the forest when he came across Ekalavya practicing archery,' I said. 'Dronacharya was impressed by Ekalavya's skill, but he was also angry that Ekalavya had taught himself archery without his permission.'

'I can see why he would be angry,' my friend said. 'But it's still not fair.'

'I know,' I said. 'Dronacharya demanded that Ekalavya give him his right thumb as guru dakshina, a gift to a teacher in return for their knowledge.'

'That's awful,' my friend said. 'Ekalavya had to give up his thumb?'

'Yeah,' I said. 'But Ekalavya agreed, even though it meant that he would never be able to practice archery again.'

'That's so brave,' my friend said.

'I know,' I said. 'Ekalavya's story is a reminder of the importance of education and equality. It's also a reminder that even in the face of injustice, there are those who will stand up for what is right.'

'That's a really an inspiring story', said my friend.