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.