For a long time, the story of Ekalaya, a character from the epic Mahabharata) has been an exemplary example in educating students. However, there is an unheard and unseen side to the famous story. Ekalaya or Palgunadi is one of the characters in the Mahabarata story who made Arjuna jealous, causing Guru Drona to act unfairly.
The following is information about Ekalaya that you might need to know to commemorate National Wayang Day.
- Ekalaya was the son of a poor hunter. He wants to learn archery to save deer in the forest that are being hunted by leopards. So, he went to Drona (an advanced master of military arts) and asked Drona to teach him archery. Drona was the teacher of the Royal family.
In those days, as a rule, a teacher to a member of the Royal family was not permitted to teach state arts to others. It is forbidden to make anyone as powerful as a prince for the safety of the region. However, Ekalaya really wanted to study under Drona. Drona, bound by state law, could not accept him as his disciple.
In her heart, Ekalaya has accepted Drona as her Guru. He returned home and made a statue of his Guru. During the following years, with sincerity and practice, he learned archery and became better than the princes of the country in the art. He became very good at it, he heard the voice of the beast, shot it, and took the beast.
Arjuna, the prince knew about this talented archer. To make matters worse, he saw that Eklavya was much better than him. He went to Ekalaya and asked him, who taught you archery. Ekalaya answered that Drona taught him
Hearing this, Arjuna was very angry. He approached Dronacharya and said angrily. He said Drona should have taught him exclusively, but instead taught Ekalaya and made him better at archery.
- Drona Never Taught Ekalaya Archery
Drona was confused and confused when he heard Arjuna’s accusations. He wondered who this student of his was, who had learned the art of archery from him but whose name and identity he did not know! He thought hard but couldn’t find an answer for Arjuna. He couldn’t believe it, this student was even better than Arjuna. Drona and Arjuna decided to meet the boy.
Ekalaya welcomed his teacher with great respect and love. He led them both to the statue he had made for Drona. Ekalaya has practiced archery for years, considering and believing the statue to be his teacher.
In ancient times, a common practice in learning was- Guru Dakshina, where a student would give a token of reward or fee for the knowledge gained by the student.
- Ekalaya Sacrifice His Thumb
Dron told Ekalaya to give him Guru Dakshina, namely the thumb of the right hand. Ekalaya knew that without thumbs, archery could not be practiced. Ekalaya without thinking twice gave the thumb of his right hand to his teacher.
In this story Drona is generally seen as a cruel and selfish person. The sense that the boy who had learned the skill himself and was skilled at it, was forced to give it up for Drona’s personal gain.
Even though from the outside, Drona appears to have done injustice to Ekalaya, Drona actually raised Ekalaya from just a student to become a symbol of obedience.
Drona blessed Ekalaya with immortality by asking for his thumb. So, when people think of devotion, people think of Ekalaya and not Arjuna. (D-3)
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**Interview with Dr. Maya Sutanto: Mahabharata Scholar and Cultural Historian**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Sutanto. In light of National Wayang Day, can you tell us about the character Ekalaya and why his story is significant in the Mahabharata?
**Dr. Sutanto:** Thank you for having me. Ekalaya is a fascinating character who symbolizes determination and the pursuit of knowledge against overwhelming odds. He hails from a humble background and demonstrates that skill and talent can emerge from unexpected places. His story resonates, especially in educational contexts, as it emphasizes the importance of perseverance.
**Editor:** Ekalaya made a remarkable decision to create a statue of Guru Drona and practiced archery by himself. What does this say about his dedication?
**Dr. Sutanto:** Absolutely. Ekalaya’s commitment to his craft is exceptional. By teaching himself and honoring Drona through the statue, he embodies a deep respect for mentorship, even when it’s unreciprocated. This reflects the idea that knowledge can be sought and acquired through various means, not just formal education.
**Editor:** There’s a conflict between Ekalaya and Arjuna that fuels much of the narrative. Can you elaborate on that rivalry?
**Dr. Sutanto:** The rivalry stems from Arjuna’s jealousy upon discovering Ekalaya’s superior archery skills. It highlights the themes of insecurity and competition within the royal family, drawing attention to how societal structures can affect personal relationships. Arjuna’s anger leads Drona to take drastic actions, ultimately altering the course of Ekalaya’s life. This conflict raises questions about fairness and the ethics of mentorship.
**Editor:** Drona’s dilemma about teaching Ekalaya emphasizes social hierarchies. How does that aspect play into the larger context of the Mahabharata?
**Dr. Sutanto:** Drona’s struggle reflects the rigid social structures of ancient Indian society. His inability to teach Ekalaya due to Ekalaya’s background speaks volumes about the barriers faced by individuals from lower social strata. It critiques the notion of exclusivity in knowledge and power, which is a theme that resonates throughout the Mahabharata.
**Editor:** Lastly, do you believe Ekalaya’s story holds relevance in contemporary discussions about education and social equity?
**Dr. Sutanto:** Definitely. Ekalaya’s journey can inspire discussions about access to education and the importance of valuing diverse talent beyond traditional systems. It encourages us to recognize that everyone, regardless of their background, has the potential to achieve greatness. Celebrating stories like Ekalaya’s on National Wayang Day can help us advocate for a more inclusive approach to learning and mentorship.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Sutanto, for sharing your insights on Ekalaya and the broader implications of his story in modern contexts.
**Dr. Sutanto:** Thank you for having me; it’s been a pleasure to discuss this pivotal character in the Mahabharata.
