| Ekalavya | |
|---|---|
| Mahabharata character | |
 A painting byNandalal Bose depicting Ekalavya practicing in front of a clay sculpture ofDrona. | |
| Information | |
| Family | Hiranyadhanus (father) Ketuman (son) |
| Origin | Nishadas |
Ekalavya (Sanskrit:एकलव्य,romanized: ekalavya, also spelt asEklavya) is a character from the Hindu epicMahābhārata. He is described as a young prince of theNishadas, a confederation of forest and hill tribes in ancient India.
The son of Hiranyadhanus, a king of the Nishada tribe, Ekalavya seeks to learn archery fromDronacharya, the royal teacher of theKuru princes, including the epic's main protagonistArjuna. However, Dronacharya refuses to accept him as a disciple due to his low social status. Ekalavya trains himself in the forest using a clay statue of the teacher as his guide. His exceptional skill attracts the attention of Arjuna, who, feeling threatened, complains to Dronacharya. In response, Dronacharya demands Ekalavya’s right-hand thumb asgurudakshina (teacher’s fee), which Ekalavya willingly gives, diminishing his abilities.
Ekalavya is known for his dedication to archery and devotion to Dronacharya, and has become a symbol ofDalit andTribal rights in contemporary times.
Eklavya's story is first narrated in theAdi Parva, the first book of theMahabharata (c. 400 BCE - 400 CE). He is introduced as a young man and the son of Hiranyadhanus, a king of theNishada (foresters). He approachesDronacharya—the royalpreceptor of theKurus princes (Pandavas andKauravas)—to learn archery, but Dronacharya refuses to accept him as a disciple due to his low status as a Nishada as well as his potential to exceed the Kuru princes in archery.[1] Determined to acquire the skills, Ekalavya goes to the nearby forest, creates a clay replica of Dronacharya, and dedicates himself to rigorous self-practice. His devotion makes him a highly skilled archer. During a hunting expedition, the Pandavas' hunting dog encounters Ekalavya and starts barking. Ekalavya shoots seven arrows into the dog’s mouth, keeping it open without harming it. The dog returns toArjuna, who is astonished by the display of skill. Upon discovering that Ekalavya considers himself a disciple of Dronacharya, Arjuna feels disappointed and threatened, as Dronacharya has previously declared him to be his best student. Arjuna complains to Dronacharya, who approaches Ekalavya. Dronacharya, upon meeting Ekalavya, acknowledges his dedication but demands agurudakshina (teacher’s fee)—his right thumb. Ekalavya, out of respect, complies and severs his thumb, which affects his archery skills and ensures Arjuna's superiority.[2]
TheSabha Parva (second book) narrates that Ekalavya later becomes the king of Nishada and is called as one of the foremost of Kings in theRajasuya Yajna where he honoursYudhishthira by offering him shoes with respect.[3][4] Ekalavya was noted as a powerful archer and warrior.[5]
In theUdyoga Parva, fifth book of the epic, it is mentioned that Ekalavya was killed byKrishna.[6][2]
Scholars note that the accounts in the classicalPuranic literature suggest two distinct traditions regarding Ekalavya: one that aligns with the epic’s depiction of social hierarchy and exclusion, and another that seeks to reframe his origins as aKshatriya (warrior class; second highest varna) to justify his participation in royal and martial traditions.[note 1][8]
Ekalavya's role as an antagonist to the deityKrishna is also expanded in thePuranic literature. TheHarivamsa (c. 450 CE) elaborates on Ekalavya's later life and his role in different events, including the details of his death at the hands of Krishna, which were absent from theMahabharata's primary narrative.[8]
In modern India, Ekalavya has become a symbol ofDalit andtribal rights. AuthorGurucharan Das interprets Ekalavya's episode in the Mahabharata as reflecting the evolving social order during the epic's composition, when thecaste system was taking shape. Tribes like the Nishadas remained outside the four-foldvarna system, facing exclusion and marginalisation. While the Mahabharata presents Ekalavya’s unwavering devotion, it also critiques Drona’s harsh demand, portraying it asdaruna (terrible) and tarnishing his image. The epic acknowledges Ekalavya’s humanity, asserting the dignity of those excluded from the social order. Das notes that Ekalavya's story serves as a political rallying point for Dalit communities advocating social change. Unlike the epic’s Ekalavya, who accepted his fate, modern interpretations highlight his struggle for dignity and equality.[9]
In honour of Ekalavya, theGovernment of India runs anEkalavya Model Residential School (EMRS) model residential school scheme for Indian tribals.[10]
Additionally, theEkalavya Award is presented by various state governments, including those ofKarnataka,Haryana, andMadhya Pradesh, to individuals under the age of 19 for exceptional achievements in sports.[11]
Atemple dedicated to Ekalavya inKhandsa is present in a village in Sector 37 ofGurugram city inHaryana state ofIndia. As per folklore, this is the only temple of Ekalavya and it is the place where Ekalavya cut his thumb and offered to guruDrona.[12]
