Eklavya – The Tragic Hero of Mahabharata

Eklavya’s story from the Mahabharata marks themes of social justice and duty. Recently, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi invoked Eklavya’s tale in Parliament to illustrate the struggles faced by youth and small businesses in contemporary India. He compared the challenges these groups face to the sacrifice Eklavya made for knowledge. This comparison sheds light on the ongoing socio-economic disparities in society.

Who Was Eklavya?

Eklavya was a Nishad boy, the son of Hiranyadhanu, a king of Nishads. He sought to learn archery from Dronacharya, the royal teacher, but was denied. In defiance, he created a clay idol of Drona and practised archery alone. His skills became exceptional, drawing attention when he silenced a dog with his arrows.

The Thumb Sacrifice

When Dronacharya discovered Eklavya’s prowess, he demanded a fee known as ‘guru dakshina’. Drona requested Eklavya’s right thumb, which Eklavya selflessly sacrificed. This act symbolised the cost of pursuing knowledge and the harsh realities faced by those from lower castes.

Eklavya’s Background

Eklavya’s life before meeting Drona is often overlooked. Some accounts suggest he was abandoned at birth due to a prophesied dark future. Raised in the forest, he became strong and brave, embodying resilience against societal norms.

Fate After the Sacrifice

Despite losing his thumb, Eklavya continued to fight effectively, reportedly using leather gloves. His fate culminated in his death at the hands of Lord Krishna, who eliminated potential threats to the Pandavas before the Kurukshetra War.

Interpretations of Eklavya’s Story

Eklavya’s narrative is often viewed as a critique of caste dynamics and the gatekeeping of knowledge. Dronacharya’s refusal to teach Eklavya represents the systemic barriers faced by the lower castes. The story raises questions about duty and moral responsibility, particularly regarding Drona’s actions as a teacher.

Complexities of Dharma

The Mahabharata does not present a clear moral dichotomy. Dronacharya’s actions stemmed from his duty to protect the royal lineage, yet they also reflect a failure to uphold the principles of fairness and mentorship. Eklavya’s choice to consider Drona his guru, despite rejection, complicates the traditional notions of teacher-student relationships.

Legacy of Eklavya

Eklavya remains a symbol of perseverance and the quest for knowledge against adversity. His story resonates with contemporary struggles for social justice, denoting the ongoing battle against systemic inequalities.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the implications of Eklavya’s sacrifice in the context of social justice.
2. Point out the roles of Dronacharya and Eklavya in shaping the narrative of duty and morality in the Mahabharata.
3. Estimate the significance of Eklavya’s story in contemporary discussions about caste and education.
4. What are the broader themes of duty and knowledge in the Mahabharata? How do they relate to modern societal structures?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the implications of Eklavya’s sacrifice in the context of social justice.

1. Eklavya’s sacrifice of his thumb symbolizes the extreme costs individuals from marginalized communities face for access to education and opportunities.
2. The act reflects systemic inequalities where the privileged gatekeep knowledge and resources, disadvantaging the underprivileged.
3. This sacrifice can be viewed as a critique of societal structures that demand such high personal costs for the pursuit of knowledge.
4. Eklavya’s story encourages discussions on the need for equitable access to education and the dismantling of caste-based barriers.
5. His legacy serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles for social justice and the importance of supporting marginalized voices.

2. Point out the roles of Dronacharya and Eklavya in shaping the narrative of duty and morality in the Mahabharata.

1. Dronacharya embodies the complexities of duty, prioritizing loyalty to the royal family over ethical teaching and mentorship.
2. His refusal to teach Eklavya raises moral questions about the responsibilities of educators towards all students, regardless of their background.
3. Eklavya, as a self-taught warrior, challenges traditional notions of student-teacher relationships and the right to pursue knowledge.
4. Their interactions highlight the tension between societal norms and individual aspirations, questioning what constitutes true duty and morality.
5. This dynamic invites reflection on the ethical implications of power and privilege in shaping knowledge and skill acquisition.

3. Estimate the significance of Eklavya’s story in contemporary discussions about caste and education.

1. Eklavya’s narrative is a powerful metaphor for the struggles against caste-based discrimination in education and access to resources.
2. It illustrates the barriers faced by lower castes in achieving their aspirations, resonating with contemporary issues of inequality.
3. The story encourages advocacy for inclusive educational policies that support marginalized communities.
4. Eklavya’s determination to learn despite systemic obstacles serves as inspiration for current movements seeking social equity.
5. His legacy emphasizes the need for ongoing dialogue about caste dynamics and their impact on education in modern society.

4. What are the broader themes of duty and knowledge in the Mahabharata? How do they relate to modern societal structures?

1. The Mahabharata explores the themes of duty (dharma) and knowledge as intertwined concepts that guide individual actions and societal roles.
2. Duty is often depicted as complex, with characters making morally ambiguous choices based on their responsibilities to family and society.
3. Knowledge is portrayed as both a privilege and a right, with characters like Eklavya challenging the established norms of access and mentorship.
4. These themes relate to modern societal structures by reflecting ongoing debates about ethical responsibilities in leadership, education, and governance.
5. The narrative encourages critical examination of how duty and knowledge are distributed and the implications for social justice .