Honoring Droṇa with the proper respect, the Niṣāda youth Ekalavya came before him, hands joined, and declared himself Droṇa’s student. Droṇa then spoke, “If you are truly my student, O hero, give me my teacher’s fee.” Ekalavya, overjoyed, replied, “What shall I give, revered one? Command me, and I will obey.” Droṇa said, “Let your right thumb be given to me.” Hearing these harsh words, Ekalavya, steadfast in truth and his vow, resolved to fulfill his promise. With a cheerful face and undisturbed mind, he cut off his right thumb and gave it to Droṇa without hesitation. Afterward, the Niṣāda youth continued to draw his bowstring with his fingers, but he was not as swift as before. With this, Arjuna became content and free of anxiety, and Droṇa, true to his word, ensured that no one would surpass Arjuna. At that time, Droṇa had two pupils skilled in mace-fighting: Duryodhana and Bhima, both fierce and wrathful. Among all, Ashvatthama excelled in secret techniques, and the twin sons of Madri, mighty in strength, also surpassed others. Yudhishthira was foremost among charioteers, but everywhere Dhananjaya—Arjuna—was renowned as the chief of chariot-warriors, famed to the ends of the sea. Arjuna distinguished himself in all weapons by intellect, discipline, strength, and enthusiasm, and surpassed all in his devotion to his teacher. Though all the princes received equal instruction, Arjuna alone became a supreme chariot-warrior by his skill. The sons of Dhritarashtra, wicked in mind, could not tolerate Bhimasena, who was dearer than life, nor Dhananjaya, accomplished in knowledge, nor even each other. Then Droṇa, the best of men, gathered all the princes trained in every science and weapon, wishing to test their knowledge of arms. He had the craftsmen place an artificial bird atop a tree, unknown to the princes, and designated it as the target. Droṇa instructed, “All of you, quickly take up your bows, aim at this bird, and stand ready with arrows set, awaiting my command. At my word, let each of you, one by one, shoot and bring down its head; do so, my sons, as I instruct.” First, Droṇa addressed Yudhishthira: “String your bow, steadfast one, and release your arrow at my command.” Yudhishthira, destroyer of foes, took up his bow and stood aiming at the bird, prompted by his teacher’s words. Droṇa then asked, “O bull of the Bharatas, do you see the bird atop the tree?” Yudhishthira replied, “I see it, O teacher; I see the bird on the tree.” After a moment, Droṇa questioned him again, “Do you see this tree, or me, or your brothers as well?” Yudhishthira replied, “I see this tree, you, my brothers, and the bird as well,” repeating it again and again. Displeased, Droṇa told him to step aside, saying, “You cannot hit the target,” thus reproaching him. Droṇa then questioned Duryodhana and the other sons of Dhritarashtra in the same manner, as well as Bhima and kings from other regions. When all answered similarly, it was considered disgraceful. Then, smiling, Droṇa addressed Dhananjaya, “Now you must strike this target; look upon it. At the very moment I give the word, you must release the arrow here. Draw your bow, my son, and stand ready for a moment.” Thus addressed, Arjuna, with his bow drawn in a circle, stood aiming at the bird, prompted by his teacher’s command. After a moment, Droṇa asked him, “Do you see that bird standing there, the tree, and me as well, O Arjuna?” Partha replied, “I see only the bird, not the tree or you, sir.” Pleased, Droṇa again spoke, “If you see the bird, then tell me again: what do you see?” Arjuna replied, “I see only the head of the bird, not its body.” Hearing this, Droṇa’s hair bristled with joy. He said, “Release,” and Arjuna released the arrow without hesitation, swiftly cutting off the head of the bird and bringing it down. When that feat was accomplished, Droṇa embraced Arjuna and considered Drupada, with his allies, defeated in battle. After some time, Droṇa, along with his disciples, went to the Ganga to bathe. When Droṇa had entered the water, a powerful crocodile, prompted by fate, seized him by the leg. Though capable of freeing himself, he urged all his disciples, “Kill the crocodile and free me quickly,” as if in haste.