On the first day
as the Guru, Dronacharya was thronged by enthusiastic princes – both Kauravas
and Pandavas. Aswathama, the son of the
master, was also one of the students. Before he began the lessons, the Master
said:
"Sons, I would teach you the best of warfare and make you most adept in
handling of arms. One day you would make Hastinapur proud of your achievements.
But before I begin your lessons, may I have an assurance from you all?"
The young princes were both curious and surprised. A silence descended. While they fixed their gazes on their new Guru's face, Dronacharya continued:
" I would love to have an assurance that you will give me the Gurudakshina" that
I may ask from you at the end.- whatever that may be’
The silence that was breached by the Guru's solemn utterances now returned. It was almost deafening now. Unsure of what their Master might ask of them, they began to exchange glances amongst themselves as if in search of a clue. The Acharya seemed to have been
greatly upset at the lack of response when Arjun came forward, touched his feet
and said,
" Sir, I promise I will do anything to give whatever you ask of
me".
Dronacharya spotted this prince and his eyes were filled with tears of
joy. From that very moment he had singled out Arjun for special attention.
As preparatory
to his larger plan, Dronacharya conducted proficiency tests for the princes and
accordingly organized lessons for each. This was done to ensure all the princes
had an acquaintance with all types of arms but each had special training in the
handling of the weapon in which he had a knack or proficiency. Arjun showed
great potential as an archer, Bhim and Duryodhan in the handling of maces, and so on. Aswathama, the
Master’s son, also displayed his potential in archery. The arms lesson thus
began in earnest.
