In The Tent

It was the eleventh day of battle. Bhishma had fallen and now Drona was in command. The two armies again faced each another, weapons at the ready. Drona had devised a plan to capture Yudhisthira, knowing that this would end the war there and then. But word had reached the Pandavas and they were closely guarding their leader. Karna, who in a fit of anger against Bhishma had sworn not to fight while he was in command, had finally ridden out into battle. he and Drona bore down fiercely upon their foes, intent on seizing Yudhisthira. But Arjuna was by his side and he fought so powerfully that not even the mighty Drona could get near Yudhisthira. he was driven back by incessant volleys of arrows shot by Arjuna.

The Pandava warrior fired off his deadly shafts so thick and fast from his inexhaustible quiver that he could hardly be seen. Gradually the sun sank below the western horizon and the warriors made their weary way back to camp. After rest and refreshment both sides came together to plan the next day’s strategy. In the Kaurava tent there was dismay. Drona knew he could not contain his disciple Arjuna. he said to Duryodhana, “I have told you this before. while Arjuna is by his brother’s side I cannot capture him.” Drona asked Duryodhana to make some arrangement so that Arjuna would be taken away from Yudhisthira. The Kaurava leader then turned to King Susharma who commanded a great contingent of warriors. “Use your vast forces to distract Arjuna.

Then Drona can seize his brother.” Susharma had a history with Arjuna, who had humiliated him on several occasions by defeating him in battle. he immediately agreed. “Yes, I welcome this chance to avenge myself against Arjuna. Tomorrow I will assail him with my fifty thousand chariots. Either he will lie on the battlefield slain by me, or I and all my men will repair to the regions of the gods, slain by him.” Susharma made a solemn vow before the sacred fire that he either he or Arjuna would not return alive from the next day’s fight. After they had made this plan the Kauravas felt sure that tomorrow they would finally end the war by capturing Yudhisthira. Drona was still doubtful, knowing that the Pandavas had Krishna on their side. he said, “Either we will capture the king, or if not I shall slay one the great heroes in his army. Know this for certain.”

On the Pandava’s side news of this plan reached them through their spies. They met to discuss their response. Gathered in the tent were the five broth- ers and Arjuna’s disciple Satyaki, as well as his son Abhimanyu. Yudhisthira said, “how shall we deal with this new threat?” Arjuna reassured him, “Do not worry, here is the invincible Satyaki. Even if I am away from you he shall remain by your side. Drona cannot capture you in his presence” Abhimanyu said, “I too shall stand firm in the face of Drona’s attack. have no fear for I am acquainted with all of his manoeuvres.” After deciding on the next day’s strategy the Pandavas retired for the night, confident that Drona’s plan would not succeed.