Ekalavya vs. Arjuna: Mahabharata's Greatest Warrior?

The great epic of Mahabharata is filled with stories of formidable warriors, each displaying incredible talents and valour. Two such warriors stand out: Arjuna and Ekalavya. While Arjuna is often celebrated as one of the greatest heroes, his tutor, Dronacharya, deemed Ekalavya as a worthy successor to the position of the world's best archer, a designation that later became a point of contention. The question arises, who among the two was truly deserving of this accolade?

Ekalavya: A Great Archer?

Ekalavya's claim to fame came from Dronacharya's promise to make him the world's best archer. However, this honor came with a price: the thumb of Ekalavya as a gurudakshina (teacher's fee). Despite this significant sacrifice, the question remains: was Ekalavya truly the greatest warrior in Mahabharata? Here, we dissect his achievements and compare them with Arjuna's, exploring the true extent of their skills and accomplishments.

Arjuna's Unmatched Achievements

Arjuna, the crown prince of Panchala, is renowned not only for his unparalleled archery skills but also for his numerous feats of bravery and leadership. Some of his most notable achievements include:

**Conquering Kings**: Upon returning from his time in Gurukul, Arjuna successfully defeated kings that even Pandu could not overcome, thereby adding vast lands to Hastinapur. **Victory Against Drupad**: At the gurudakshina battle, Arjuna triumphed against Drupad, a feat that both Duryodhana and Karna failed to achieve. **Swayamvar Win**: Arjuna won the impossible swayamvar contest of Draupadi, demonstrating his prowess in archery and strength. **Battle with Devi**: Following Brahma's and Agni's command, Arjuna fought the Devas at Khandava alongside Krishna and ensured Agni received the 'food' he sought. **Rajasuya Yajna Expedition**: Arjuna led a triumphant conquest across northern regions, bringing all kings under his sway during the Rajasuya yajna. **Personal Penances**: Ekalavya is not mentioned as having performed any personal penances or conquests, whereas Arjuna, during his exile, pleased Mahadeva with his penance and valour, and later surrendered to Shiva and received a weapon that no other man possessed. **Defeating Nivatakavachas Kalakeyas**: As gurudakshina for the weapons of the Devas, Arjuna defeated Nivatakavachas and Kalakeyas, overcoming enemies the gods could not defeat on their own. **Kurukshetra War**: Arjuna's heroic feats in the Kurukshetra war are legendary. On the 14th day, he wiped out seven akshauhinis, showcasing his unparalleled skills and strength.

Ekalavya's Testimony

Ekalavya's story is often misunderstood. He is not depicted as a mere child eager to learn archery. In fact, he was a seasoned warrior who fought alongside Jarasandha 17 times and met defeat each time. Finally, he was killed in battle by Krishna, indicating that Ekalavya possessed considerable skills before his conflict with Arjuna. However, the question of his true standing as a warrior remains.

Conclusion

While Ekalavya's dedication to archery and his sacrifice of his thumb as a teacher's fee are indeed commendable, Arjuna's achievements during battles and conquests far outweigh those of Ekalavya. Arjuna's leadership, valor, and ability to vanquish formidable enemies make him a more significant and multifaceted figure in the Mahabharata. Ekalavya, on the other hand, demonstrated skills and dedication in his own right, but these were primarily in the realm of archery, not in the physical and strategic battles that define many of the major heroes of the epic.

Key Points to Remember

Ekalavya's sacrifice of his thumb was a price for learning archery from Dronacharya. Arjuna added vast lands to Hastinapur and won the impossible swayamvar of Draupadi. Arjuna performed numerous feats of bravery, including fighting the Devas and leading the Rajasuya yajna. Ekalavya fought alongside Jarasandha 17 times and was killed in battle by Krishna.

Overall, while both Ekalavya and Arjuna were exceptional figures in the Mahabharata, Arjuna's broader and more diverse range of accomplishments makes him a more comprehensive and significant warrior of the epic.