Bhishma–Drona Conversation (Mahabharata Series 34)

Bhishma–Drona Conversation

Deeply impressed by the astonishing display of archery, the princes of the Kuru dynasty bowed respectfully to Drona. Eager to know the lineage and identity of this extraordinary Brahmin, they expressed their willingness to fulfill whatever he commanded and humbly inquired about him.

In response, Drona said:

“Go at once and describe my appearance and qualities to Bhishma. That illustrious one will immediately recognize who I am.”

The princes accepted his words, saluted him, and proceeded to the grandsire Bhishma. They narrated in detail the remarkable incident that had taken place in the playground.

Upon hearing the account, Bhishma was convinced that only Drona could have performed such a marvelous feat of archery. He rejoiced inwardly, realizing that a worthy teacher had finally been found for the princes. Without delay, Bhishma personally went to the residence of Kripa, welcomed Drona with due honors, and escorted him to the palace.

After exchanging courtesies, Bhishma asked: “O revered Brahmin, what brings you to Hastinapura?”

Drona Narrates His Story

In reply, Drona narrated his life story. He spoke of his education under Agnivesha, his friendship with the Panchala prince Drupada during their student days, and how Drupada later ascended the throne. He then described his own marriage to Kripi and the birth of his radiant son Ashwatthama. Despite all this, he explained his continued poverty.

Drona continued:

“One day, my son Ashwatthama saw the children of wealthy families drinking milk. He insisted that he too wanted milk. I wandered throughout the land, seeking a suitable donor or even a cow that could provide milk—but I found none. Disappointed, I returned to the hermitage.”

“When I reached back, Ashwatthama was not there. I went to the neighboring hermitage where he was playing with other children. All of them were laughing loudly. Curious, I stood hidden behind a bush and watched. One of the boys poured water mixed with rice flour into my son’s bowl, saying, ‘Drink as much as you like.’ Believing it to be milk, Ashwatthama drank joyfully and exclaimed, ‘Today I drank milk! I will tell my father.’ He began dancing in delight.”

Seeing his son become an object of ridicule, Drona’s heart was filled with pain.

“Fie upon Drona, who is poor and unable to obtain wealth!”

Thus he reproached himself. The children laughed not only at his son but at him as well. With deep sorrow, he came out, took Ashwatthama by the hand, and returned to the hermitage.

The Resolve

Drona continued:

“It is true that I needed to earn wealth. I could have served a king and taught archery in return for riches. Yet I resolved—‘I shall never engage in degrading service merely for wealth.’ Still, what other path was there? I remembered the words of Drupada, my former friend. His image came before my eyes. With my wife and son, I set out toward Panchala.”

“On the way, I heard that Drupada had become king. I considered it my good fortune. Though I traveled many leagues, I felt no fatigue. Filled with hope, I reached his court and addressed him as a friend. But he rejected and humiliated me. Mockingly, he offered me only a night’s stay and a single meal. Hearing those words, I did not remain there even for a moment. Resolving to punish that insult, I departed and came to Hastinapura.”

Thus, Drona concluded his narration before Bhishma, revealing both his suffering and his firm determination.