Drona Advises Dhritarashtra to Pacify and Recall the Pandavas
Dhritarashtra summons his council to discuss the Pandavas' powerful new alliance through marriage to Draupadi. Drona advises a path of conciliation: send riches and warm words to formally invite the exiled princes back to their rightful share of the kingdom.
Dhritarashtra called his friends and advisers together. The news from Panchala was undeniable: the Pandavas were not only alive, they were now allied by marriage to King Drupada, one of the most powerful rulers on the subcontinent. The question before the council was what to do next.
Drona spoke. As a summoned friend, he said, one must always speak what is right, true, and brings fame. His view was the same as the great-souled Bhishma's. The path was clear: let Kunti's sons have a share in the kingdom. That, he stated, was eternal dharma.
He laid out a detailed plan for reconciliation. First, send a soft-spoken envoy to Drupada, carrying many riches and expensive presents. Let this messenger speak words of good fortune, expressing that both Dhritarashtra and his son Duryodhana were extremely pleased with the alliance. Let him say the match was appropriate and pleasing. Let him repeatedly pacify the sons of Kunti and the sons of Madri.
On the king's command, the envoy should present Draupadi with many brilliant, golden ornaments. Presents should also be given to all of Drupada's sons, and appropriate gifts to all the Pandavas and to Kunti.
Having thus pacified Drupada and the Pandavas, the envoy should immediately propose their return to Hastinapura. When permission was granted, Duryodhana's brothers Duhshasana and Vikarna should go to receive them with a magnificent army.
Drona concluded with a vision of the future. The sons of Pandu should always be treated with honour. As desired by the people, they should be instated in their ancestral kingdom. Bhishma and I, Drona told the king, believe this should be your conduct towards the Pandavas, who are like your own sons.