Section XII - Battle of Kurukshetra: How Drona Conspired Against the Pandavas
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XII including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
Drona, the mighty car-warrior, was given the command of the Kaurava troops by Duryodhana, who asked him to capture Yudhishthira alive. Drona, aware of the implications of killing Yudhishthira, suggested that capturing him would be a more enduring victory for the Kauravas. Duryodhana agreed, realizing that defeating Yudhishthira in battle and forcing the Pandavas into exile once more would be a better outcome for him. Drona, knowing Arjuna's prowess in battle, promised to seize Yudhishthira only if Arjuna was somehow removed from the field.
Drona assured Duryodhana that if Arjuna was kept out of the battle, he would bring Yudhishthira under the Kauravas' control. Drona knew that Yudhishthira would not easily be defeated in battle, especially with Arjuna by his side, as he was young, talented, and well-equipped with powerful weapons. Drona's plan involved using strategy and cunning to capture Yudhishthira without causing his death. Duryodhana's sons believed Yudhishthira was as good as captured once Drona had made this promise under certain conditions.
Duryodhana, realizing Drona's partiality towards the Pandavas, exposed the plan to ensure Drona stuck to his promise. The announcement of Drona's agreement to capture Yudhishthira spread among the Kaurava troops, giving them hope for victory in the upcoming battle. Drona's reputation as a skilled and strategic warrior gave Duryodhana and his sons confidence that they could finally defeat the Pandavas. The stage was set for a crucial moment in the Kurukshetra war as the two sides prepared for the decisive confrontation.
Full English translation:
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Section XII, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section XII:
What promise did Drona make to Duryodhana regarding Yudhishthira?
Drona promised to seize Yudhishthira alive in battle if Arjuna was not protecting him. He assured victory only if Arjuna was removed from the field.
Why did Drona refuse to slaughter Yudhishthira in battle?
Drona knew that killing Yudhishthira would result in Partha (Arjuna) seeking revenge and potentially wiping out Duryodhana's forces. He believed that capturing Yudhishthira alive would ensure a lasting victory.
How did Duryodhana manipulate Drona's promise to seize Yudhishthira?
Duryodhana revealed Drona's plan to his troops, knowing Drona's partiality towards the Pandavas, in order to ensure that Drona stuck to his promise. This manipulation led to the false belief that Yudhishthira was already taken.
Daily life: Battle of Kurukshetra: How Drona Conspired Against the Pandavas:
The story from the Mahabharata where Duryodhana seeks to capture Yudhishthira instead of aiming for his death offers a significant lesson for our daily lives. It highlights the strategic importance of setting realistic goals. Duryodhana knew that killing Yudhishthira would provoke a response he couldn't handle, indicating the wisdom in aiming for achievable objectives rather than crossing limits that could bring disastrous outcomes.
In our lives, this teaches us to evaluate the consequences of our ambitions and to choose our battles wisely. Pursuing goals that align with our capabilities and current circumstances can lead to more sustainable achievements. This approach also speaks to the importance of understanding and respecting the strengths of others, acknowledging that some challenges might be beyond our reach at the moment.
Furthermore, Duryodhana's request reflects the value of thinking long term. By capturing Yudhishthira alive, he aimed for a victory that would demoralize his opponents without an immediate deadly confrontation, hoping for a more permanent solution to his conflict. Applying this to our lives, focusing on solutions that provide long-lasting results rather than quick, possibly harmful fixes can lead to more meaningful success. The emphasis on strategy over brute force underlines the importance of planning and foresight in achieving our goals.