Drona Tells Bhishma the Story of His Humiliation
Bhishma asks Drona why he has come to the Kurus. Drona tells the story of his childhood friendship with Drupada, the promises of shared kingdom, and the humiliating rejection when he, now poor, went to claim that friendship. His motive is clear: he needs disciples to settle the score.
When Bhishma asked him why he had come, Drona told the full story.
He began with their student days. "Desiring to learn the science of Dhanur Veda, I went to the great sage Agniveshya. I lived there a long time as a humble brahmachari (celibate student) with matted hair. The powerful Yajnasena — Drupada, son of the king of Panchala — also studied there with me. He was hardworking and dedicated. There, he became my friend."
It was a deep, boyhood bond. "He was always willing to do what brought me happiness. I also loved his company. We studied together from the time we were boys. He would come to me and do things that were pleasurable for me."
Then Drona repeated the promise, the words that had lived in his memory for years. "O Bhishma, he used to say things that brought me pleasure: 'I am the favourite son of my great-souled father. O friend! When I am instated by the king of Panchala in the kingdom, it will be yours to enjoy. I swear truthfully on this. My pleasures, riches and happiness will all be yours.' This is the way he spoke to me then."
Time passed. They finished their studies. "Having become skilled in the use of weapons, I set out in search of riches." Drona's path led to poverty. Drupada's path led to a throne.
"When I heard that he had been instated, I remembered those words. Happily, I went to see my old friend in his kingdom." Drona went to the court of Panchala, remembering the boy who had sworn to share everything. "O lord! Remembering those words, I went to my old friend Drupada and told him, 'O tiger among men! Recognize me as your friend.'"
The king laughed at him.
Drona recounted the scornful speech he had endured. Drupada told him his wisdom was lacking, that no great king could be friends with a man like him — a man with no prosperity, no riches. That the poor cannot be friends with the rich, the fool with the learned, the weak with the strong. That a king cannot be a friend to one who is not a king. "Who wants an old friendship?" Drupada had asked.
Drona finished his story. "O Bhishma! I was flooded with anger at Drupada's words. And I made my way to the land of the Kurus, in search of disciples who might have the right qualities."
He did not say what task those disciples would need to perform. He did not have to. The reason for his coming was now clear: he needed princes he could train into weapons, and he needed a king who would give him access to them. The rest was a debt waiting to be collected.