Dhrishtadyumna

Dhristadyumna in Javanese Wayang

Birth of Dhrishtadhyumna from yagna made by BILAL HABSI, folio of Razmnama

Even though he was the prophesied killer of Drona, he was accepted as a student by Drona, and he learned advanced military arts. When a suitor for his sister Draupadi was chosen in an archery competition-- a young Brahmin at her swayamvara--in front of all the princes and nobility, Dhrishtadyumna secretly followed the Brahmin and his sister, only to discover that the Brahmin was in fact Arjuna, one of the five Pandava brothers.[1] On the 18th night of the war, Ashwathama attacked the Pandava camp during the night, and killed Dhristadyumna. As Dhristadyumna begs for an honorable death, asking to die with a sword in his hand, Ashwathama ignores him, proceeding to beat and smother him to death by beheading him.[2]

Dhrishtadyumna is said to have multiple wives, and begot his children from them.[3] He had 4 sons - Kshtradharman, Kshatravarman, Kshatranjaya and Dhrishtaketu. The first 3 were killed in the Kurukshetra War by Dronacharya, whereas Dhrishtaketu was killed by Karna.[4]

In one of the many side-stories of the Mahabharatha, there is drama centered around the fact that Dhrishtadyumna, despite not being Drupada's eldest, is his heir. While Drupada and others give many reasons for this, it is implied that the real reason is because Dhristadyumna has a godly parent, and thus more coveted as a ruler since his rule would seem more blessed. Dhristadyumna somewhat internalizes this, looking down upon Satyajit's pacifism and Shikhandi's single-minded hatred of Bhisma. He makes a point out of never bowing to or respecting his siblings, never wanting to legitimize any claim to Panchal they might have.[5]