Question:

Identify this character of Mahabharata with the help of the following information and choose the correct option:
$\bullet$ He considered himself as a disciple of Drocharya.
$\bullet$ He honoured his guru by giving his right hand thumb as Gurudakshi.
$\bullet$ He mastered archery through self-practice.

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In Epic literature: - Ekalavya $\rightarrow$ Earthen idol of Drocharya, self-taught archery mastery, and sacrifice of the right thumb as Gurudakshi.
Updated On: Jul 28, 2026
  • kul
  • Kar
  • Arju
  • Ekalavya
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Concept: The *Mahabharata* is a foundatiol ancient Indian epic that explores complex themes of duty (*dharma*), social hierarchy, loyalty, and justice through its characters.

Step 1:
Alyzing the given rrative clues.
Let us break down the specific details provided in the prompt:
Disciple of Drocharya: The character wanted to study under the royal preceptor Drocharya, but was turned away because of his low-born status as a Nishada (a forest-dwelling hunting community). Undeterred, he constructed an earthen statue of Drocharya and treated it as his symbolic master.
Mastery through self-practice: By practicing diligently in front of the statue, he developed extraordiry skills in archery, eventually surpassing the royal princes.
The Sacrifice of the Thumb: When Drocharya discovered his skill, he worried it would overshadow his prize pupil, Arju. He asked for the archer's right thumb as his *Gurudakshi* (teacher's fee). The loyal student cut off his thumb without hesitation, sacrificing his mastery.

Step 2:
Identifying the character.
This famous story belongs to Ekalavya.
• Arju and kul were Pandava princes who studied directly under Drocharya.
• Kar studied under Parasurama after being rejected by Drocharya. Thus, Option (D) is the correct choice.
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