Transition to Drona
“With Bhishma fallen, the Kaurava forces need a new commander. Drona, the great teacher and warrior, takes command. The war continues, but the landscape has changed. The first phase is complete, and a new phase begins.”
Story Summary
Bhishma has fallen. The invincible commander who led the Kaurava forces for the first ten days lies on his bed of arrows, waiting for Uttarayana. The Kaurava forces need a new commander. Drona, the great teacher who trained both Pandavas and Kauravas, is chosen. He accepts the command with mixed feelings—he loves the Pandavas, especially Arjuna, but his duty lies with the Kauravas. Drona takes command of the Kaurava forces, preparing for the next phase of the war. The Pandavas, having achieved their goal of bringing down Bhishma, now face a new challenge. Drona is a formidable warrior and teacher, and his command will be different from Bhishma's. The war continues, but the landscape has changed. The first ten days are complete. Bhishma Parva ends, and the stage is set for Drona Parva. This story emphasizes the continuity of the war, the transition of leadership, and the new challenges that lie ahead. It also shows the complexity of Drona's position—teaching the Pandavas but fighting for the Kauravas.