Introduction
Ekalavya is the son of the Nishada chief Hiranyadhanu. He is known for his devotion to Drona and his skill in archery.
This article primarily follows the Mahabharata. Where a well-known detail comes from a Puranic or later source, the article identifies it.
Family
- Father: Hiranyadhanu
The teacher
Drona refused to teach him, since he was a Nishada. He made an image of Drona in the forest, and practised before it. He became a better archer than Arjuna.
The thumb
When Drona found out, he asked Ekalavya for his right thumb as a fee. Ekalavya cut it off without hesitation, and could no longer shoot with the same skill.
Later
The Harivamsha and Vishnu Purana say Ekalavya was later killed by Krishna.