Introduction
Drupada is the king of Panchala, the son of Prishata. He is the father of Draupadi and of Dhrishtadyumna, who kills Drona, and of Shikhandi.
This article primarily follows the Mahabharata. Where a well-known detail comes from a Puranic or later source, the article identifies it.
Family
- Father: Prishata
- Children: Draupadi, Dhrishtadyumna, Shikhandi, Satyajit
Friend and enemy of Drona
Drupada and Drona studied together as boys, and Drupada promised to share his kingdom with Drona. Later, when Drona came to him in poverty, Drupada insulted him. After Drona's students, led by Arjuna, defeated Drupada in battle, Drona took half his kingdom.
The sacrifice
Drupada performed a sacrifice to obtain a son who would kill Drona, and a daughter who would marry Arjuna. From the fire came Dhrishtadyumna and Draupadi.
The swayamvara and the war
At Draupadi's swayamvara, Arjuna won her. Drupada then became a firm ally of the Pandavas and fought for them in the war, where he was killed by Drona.