Chapter 18: Droṇa’s guru-dakṣiṇā; Yudhiṣṭhira’s strategy, Drupada’s capture by the Pāṇḍavas, and Droṇa’s division of Pañcāla.
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_024_1] (Jaya)
Then Drona assembled all his pupils and, O king, called upon every one of them to pay the fee due to their teacher: (BORI: 1-128-1)
[PV-KDV:01_024_2] (Jaya)
“Capture Drupada, king of the Panchalas, in the forefront of battle and bring him to me. Blessings upon you; that will be the highest fee you can offer your teacher.” (BORI: 1-128-2)
[PV-KDV:01_024_3] (Jaya)
Then those bulls among men advanced against the Panchalas, striking them down, and laid waste the city of the mighty Drupada. (KUMB: 1-148-7)
[PV-KDV:01_024_4] (Jaya)
Duryodhana, Karna, the mighty Yuyutsu, Duhshasana, Vikarna, Jalasandha, and Sulochana— (KUMB: 1-148-8)
[PV-KDV:01_024_5] (Jaya)
These and many other highly valiant princes, bulls among Kshatriyas, each saying, “I first! I first!”… (KUMB: 1-148-9)
[PV-KDV:01_024_6] (Jaya)
Then the princes mounted magnificent chariots and, accompanied by horsemen, entered the city and all made their way to the royal highway. (KUMB: 1-148-10)
[PV-KDV:01_024_7] (Jaya)
Meanwhile, O king, the Panchala ruler, hearing of and seeing the great force, hurried out of his house with his brothers. (KUMB: 1-148-11)
[PV-KDV:01_024_8] (Jaya)
Then Yajñasena’s brothers, armed and ready, all raised a battle cry as they loosed showers of arrows. (KUMB: 1-148-12)
[PV-KDV:01_024_9] (Jaya)
Then Yajñasena, invincible in battle, approached the Kauravas in his splendid chariot and showered them with terrible arrows. (KUMB: 1-148-13)
[PV-KDV:01_024_10] (Jaya)
But Prita's son Yudhisthira, having first conferred with the others, then said to Drona, the preceptor and foremost of Brahmins, because of the princes’ swelling pride: (KUMB: 1-148-14)
[PV-KDV:01_024_11] (Jaya)
Once their effort has run its course, we shall make our bold attempt. These men cannot capture the king of Panchala in the thick of battle. (KUMB: 1-148-15)
[PV-KDV:01_024_12] (Jaya)
Having said this, the blameless son of Kunti remained with his brothers outside the city, half a krosha away. (KUMB: 1-148-16)
[PV-KDV:01_024_13] (Jaya)
Seeing the Kauravas, Drupada charged about on every side, bewildering the Kaurava army with a vast net of arrows. (KUMB: 1-148-17)
[PV-KDV:01_024_14] (Jaya)
Seeing him charge forth alone in his chariot, swift in battle, the Kauravas there, in their terror, thought him to be many men. (KUMB: 1-148-18)
[PV-KDV:01_024_15] (Jaya)
Drupada’s terrible arrows flew in every direction. Then conches, kettledrums, and barrel drums by the thousands… (KUMB: 1-148-19)
[PV-KDV:01_024_16] (Jaya)
were sounded, O great king, by the thousands in the encampment of the Panchalas, and a lion-like roar arose from the great-spirited Panchalas. (KUMB: 1-148-20)
[PV-KDV:01_024_17] (Jaya)
and a great sound of bowstrings striking palms, reaching the sky; Duryodhana, Vikarna, Subahu, and Dirghalochana… (KUMB: 1-148-21)
[PV-KDV:01_024_18] (Jaya)
Together with the enraged Duhshasana, they showered him with torrents of arrows. Though grievously pierced, that great archer, Prishata’s son, invincible in battle… (KUMB: 1-148-22)
[PV-KDV:01_024_19] (Jaya)
He immediately shattered those battle formations, O Bharata; and Duryodhana, Vikarna, and the mighty Karna… (KUMB: 1-148-23)
[PV-KDV:01_024_20] (Jaya)
Moving like a whirling firebrand, he sated with arrows the heroic sons of many kings and the diverse troops—all of them. (KUMB: 1-148-24)
[PV-KDV:01_024_21] (Jaya)
Then all the townspeople showered the Kauravas with pestles and staves, as though pouring down rain. (KUMB: 1-148-25)
[PV-KDV:01_024_22] (Jaya)
Hearing the exceedingly tumultuous fighting, the people of Kampilya, including children and the elderly, rushed straight at the Kauravas, O Bharata. (KUMB: 1-148-26)
[PV-KDV:01_024_23] (Jaya)
They ran, shouting and calling out to the Pandavas; but the Pandavas, hearing the hair-raising clamor of those in distress… (KUMB: 1-148-27)
[PV-KDV:01_024_24] (Jaya)
Then, after saluting Drona, they mounted their chariots, (KUMB: 1-148-28A)
[PV-KDV:01_024_25] (Jaya)
Then Phalguna appointed the two sons of Madri as protectors of his chariot wheels, while Bhimasena, mace in hand, took his place at the head of the army. (KUMB: 1-148-29)
[PV-KDV:01_024_27] (Jaya)
Then, hearing the din of the enemy, the blameless son of Kunti came swiftly in his chariot with his brothers, making the quarters resound. (KUMB: 1-148-30)
[PV-KDV:01_024_28] (Jaya)
The Panchala army, whose roar was like that of a turbulent ocean—then mighty-armed Bhimasena, like Death wielding his staff… (KUMB: 1-148-31)
[PV-KDV:01_024_29] (Jaya)
entered the mighty army as a makara enters the ocean. Then, in that festival of battle thronged with the fourfold forces... (॥KUMB: 1-148-32)
[PV-KDV:01_024_30] (Jaya)
Then Bhima himself, mace in hand, charged the elephant corps. (KUMB: 1-148-33)
[PV-KDV:01_024_31] (Jaya)
Skilled in warfare and unequalled in the strength of his arms, that son of Pritha, assuming the form of Death, struck down the elephant host with his mace. (KUMB: 1-148-34)
[PV-KDV:01_024_32] (Jaya)
Those mountain-like elephants, streaming copious blood, their heads shattered by Bhimasena’s mace… (KUMB: 1-148-35)
[PV-KDV:01_024_33] (Jaya)
The elephants fell to the ground like mountains struck by a thunderbolt, while the Pandava brought down elephants, horses, and chariots alike. (KUMB: 1-148-36)
[PV-KDV:01_024_34] (Jaya)
Arjuna’s elder brother struck down foot soldiers and chariots alike, as a cowherd drives herds of cattle through the forest with his staff. (KUMB: 1-148-37)
[PV-KDV:01_024_35] (Jaya)
Vrikodara ranged about, scattering chariots and elephants. Then Phalguna, intent on pleasing Bharadvaja... (KUMB: 1-148-38)
[PV-KDV:01_024_36] (Jaya)
That Pandava advanced, assailing Parshata with a net of arrows, and masses of horses, chariots, and elephants on every side… (KUMB: 1-148-39)
[PV-KDV:01_024_37] (Jaya)
Striking them down in battle, O king, he blazed like the fire at the end of an age. Then the Panchalas and Srinjayas, as they were being slain… (KUMB: 1-148-40)
[PV-KDV:01_024_38] (Jaya)
Quickly covering Partha on every side with many kinds of arrows and roaring like lions, they fought the Pandava. (KUMB: 1-148-41)
[PV-KDV:01_024_39] (Jaya)
That battle was terrible—a wondrous spectacle of massed forces. Hearing the sound of their lion roars, the son of the chastiser of Pāka could not endure it. (KUMB: 1-148-42)
[PV-KDV:01_024_40] (Jaya)
Then Kirīṭin suddenly charged the Panchalas in battle, enveloping them in a vast net of arrows as though bewildering them. (KUMB: 1-148-43)
[PV-KDV:01_024_41] (Jaya)
No interval could be seen between the swift drawing and the ceaseless fitting of arrows by the illustrious son of Kunti. (KUMB: 1-148-44)
[PV-KDV:01_024_42] (Jaya)
Seeing Partha approaching, Satyajit of true valor, intent on protecting the king of Panchala, rushed at Dhananjaya. (KUMB: 1-148-50)
[PV-KDV:01_024_43] (Jaya)
The immensely swift great chariot-warrior plucked his bowstring and sprang into action. Then, cutting Satyajit’s bow, he advanced upon the king. (KUMB: 1-148-54)
[PV-KDV:01_024_44] (Jaya)
Then Satyajit quickly took up another, stronger bow and pierced Partha, along with his horses, charioteer, and chariot. (KUMB: 1-148-55)
[PV-KDV:01_024_45] (Jaya)
Afflicted in battle by the Panchala, Partha could not endure it. Then, intent on destroying him, he swiftly loosed his arrows. (KUMB: 1-148-56)
[PV-KDV:01_024_46] (Jaya)
at the horses, the standard, the bow-grip, and both rear guards. As his bows were thus broken again and again… (KUMB: 1-148-57)
[PV-KDV:01_024_47] (Jaya)
When his horses had been cut down, he turned away from the battle. Seeing Satyajit thus turn away from the battle, he… (KUMB: 1-148-58)
[PV-KDV:01_024_48] (Jaya)
With tremendous speed, O king, he charged the descendant of Pṛṣata. Then Arjuna, foremost of victors, waged a great battle. (KUMB: 1-148-59)
[PV-KDV:01_024_49] (Jaya)
After cutting his bow, Partha brought his standard down to the ground and pierced his horses and charioteer with five arrows. (KUMB: 1-148-60)
[PV-KDV:01_024_50] (Jaya)
Then Kunti’s son cast aside that bow, took up a shield, drew his sword, and gave a lion’s roar. (KUMB: 1-148-61)
[PV-KDV:01_024_51] (Jaya)
He suddenly leapt onto the pole of the Panchala king’s chariot and landed there. Climbing aboard the chariot, the undaunted Dhananjaya… (KUMB: 1-148-62)
[PV-KDV:01_024_52] (Jaya)
He seized him like Tārkṣya seizing a serpent after churning the ocean. Then all the Panchalas fled in the ten directions. (KUMB: 1-148-63)
[PV-KDV:01_024_53] (Jaya)
Displaying the strength of his arms to all the troops and uttering a lion’s roar, Dhanañjaya departed. (KUMB: 1-148-64)
[PV-KDV:01_024_54] (Jaya)
Seeing Arjuna approaching, the princes then joined together and ravaged the city of the great-souled Drupada. (KUMB: 1-148-65)
[PV-KDV:01_024_55] (Jaya)
Arjuna said: (KUMB: 1-148-66क्ष्)
[PV-KDV:01_024_56] (Jaya)
Drupada, that finest of kings, is a kinsman of the Kuru heroes. Bhima, do not slaughter his army; let the teacher’s fee be presented. (KUMB: 1-148-66)
[PV-KDV:01_024_57] (Jaya)
Vaiśampāyana said: (KUMB: 1-148-67क्ष्)
[PV-KDV:01_024_58] (Jaya)
Then, O king, the mighty Bhimasena, restrained by Arjuna, withdrew, though still unsated with battle. (KUMB: 1-148-67)
[PV-KDV:01_024_59] (Jaya)
O best of the Bharatas, they seized Yajñasena Drupada at the head of the battle and brought him, together with his ministers, to Droṇa. (KUMB: 1-148-68)
[PV-KDV:01_024_60] (Jaya)
Drona, pondering their enmity, said to Drupada, whose pride was broken, whose wealth had been taken, and who had thus fallen under his power: (BORI: 1-128-6)
[PV-KDV:01_024_61] (Jaya)
I have violently overrun your realm and laid waste your city. Now that you have fallen alive into your enemy’s power, what do you desire of our former friendship? (BORI: 1-128-7)
[PV-KDV:01_024_62] (Jaya)
Having said this, he laughed; then, having made up his mind, he spoke to him again: “Do not fear for your life, O king. We Brahmins are forgiving.” (BORI: 1-128-8)
[PV-KDV:01_024_63] (Jaya)
But the games you played with me in the hermitage during our childhood strengthened my affection for you, bull among Kshatriyas. (BORI: 1-128-9)
[PV-KDV:01_024_64] (Jaya)
I would seek friendship with you once again, bull among men. I grant you a boon, O king: receive half the kingdom. (BORI: 1-128-10)
[PV-KDV:01_024_65] (Jaya)
A man who is not a king, it is said, is not fit to be a king’s friend. Therefore, Yajnasena, I have striven to secure a kingdom for you. (BORI: 1-128-11)
[PV-KDV:01_024_66] (Jaya)
You are king on the southern bank of the Bhagirathi, while I am king on the northern bank. O Panchala, regard me as your friend, if you wish. (BORI: 1-128-12)
[PV-KDV:01_024_67] (Jaya)
Drupada said:
[PV-KDV:01_024_68] (Jaya)
This is no wonder among valiant, noble souls, O Brahmin. I am pleased with you, and I desire lasting affection from you. (BORI: 1-128-13)
[PV-KDV:01_024_69] (Jaya)
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_024_70] (Jaya)
Thus addressed, Drona released him, O Bharata. Pleased at heart, he honored him and restored half the kingdom to him. (BORI: 1-128-14)
[PV-KDV:01_024_71] (Jaya)
Then, downcast, he settled in Mākandī on the bank of the Ganges, with its populous territory, in the splendid city of Kāmpilya, and in the southern Pāñcāla lands as far as the Carmaṇvatī River. (BORI: 1-128-15)
[PV-KDV:01_024_72] (Jaya)
Drupada did not grow calm as he recalled his enmity with Drona, and he saw no way to defeat him by Kshatriya might. (BORI: 1-128-16)
[PV-KDV:01_024_73] (Jaya)
Knowing himself deficient in brahminical power and longing for the birth of a son, the king resolved upon this. Drona took possession of the territory of Ahicchatra. (BORI: 1-128-17)
[PV-KDV:01_024_74] (Jaya)
Thus, O king, the city of Ahicchatra, together with its territory, was conquered in battle by Partha and handed over to Drona. (BORI: 1-128-18)
[PV-KDV:01_024_75] (Jaya)