Drupada

In the Mahabharata, the later of the two
great Hindu epics, Drupada is the king
of the Panchala region, and the father of
Dhrshtadyumna and Draupadi. Much
of Drupada’s life is absorbed by his
struggle with Drona, who has been one
of Drupada’s fellow students. After their
course of studies is finished, Drupada
assumes his throne and lives quite lavishly, whereas Drona is so poor that he
cannot even afford to feed his family. In
distress, Drona approaches Drupada for
help, reminding him of their past connection. Drupada arrogantly dismisses
him, telling him that such ties are of no
consequence. Drona swears that he will
get revenge, and after teaching the arts
of war to the Pandavas and Kauravas,
the two royal factions whose battle for
power is at the heart of the
Mahabharata, demands Drupada’s
kingdom as his preceptor’s fee
(dakshina). After Drupada is defeated,
Drona takes half of his kingdom, whereupon Drupada swears revenge. He performs a great sacrifice to give birth to a
son who will kill Drona. Two children
emerge from the sacrificial fire:
Dhrshtadyumna, who eventually kills
Drona; and Draupadi, who becomes the
wife of all five Pandavas. During the
Mahabharata war, Drupada fights on the
side of the Pandavas, his sons-in-law. He
is eventually killed in battle by Drona
but is later avenged by his son
Dhrshtadyumna, who kills Drona.