Drona’s death is a significant and dramatic event in the Mahabharata, occurring during the Kurukshetra War. Dronacharya, a revered teacher and a formidable warrior, played a crucial role in the conflict between the Kauravas and Pandavas. Here is a summary of the circumstances leading to Drona’s death:
Bhishma’s Fall:
Prior to Drona’s death, Bhishma Pitamah, the granduncle of both the Kauravas and Pandavas, had fallen in battle. Drona then assumed the command of the Kaurava army.
Chakravyuha Formation:
The Kauravas, unable to break the Pandava formation, decided to employ a strategic military formation called the Chakravyuha (a circular defensive formation). The only Pandava who knew how to penetrate this formation was Arjuna.
Manipulation by Krishna:
Lord Krishna, who was on the side of the Pandavas, devised a plan to create confusion in Drona’s mind. Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, was made to falsely announce the death of his son Ashwatthama (an elephant), knowing that Drona loved his son deeply.
Yudhishthira’s Half-Truth:
Bhima engaged in a fierce battle with an elephant named Ashwatthama, and Yudhishthira, following Krishna’s advice, announced Ashwatthama’s death. However, he spoke softly, adding the word “kunjara” (elephant) in a low voice. Drona, who only heard the first part, believed that his son had died.
Drona’s Despair:
Grief-stricken and disheartened by the news of his son’s death, Drona lost the will to fight. He laid down his weapons, which led to the Pandavas taking advantage of the situation and attacking him.
Death at the Hands of Dhrishtadyumna:
Dhrishtadyumna, the son of King Drupada and the sworn enemy of Drona, seized the opportunity and beheaded Dronacharya, ending his life on the battlefield.
Killing of Upapandavas:
After Drona’s death, Ashwatthama, in a fit of rage and sorrow, went on a night massacre where he killed the sleeping sons of the Pandavas (Upapandavas) as an act of revenge.
The death of Drona is a poignant moment in the Mahabharata, symbolizing the tragedy and the complexities of the Kurukshetra War. The manipulation of emotions, the ethical dilemmas faced by the characters, and the personal vendettas all contribute to the intricate tapestry of the epic.