Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c17.64

c17.64

**He appoints Droṇa as their Teacher.** Bhīshma, as the guardian of the Pāṇḍu and Kuru princes committed to his care, appoints as their preceptor Droṇa, "learned in all the Vedas." Droṇa specially taught his students Dhanurveda in all its branches. They became before long perfect experts in the use of all kinds of weapons [i, 131]. There is, it may be noted, no mention here of the study of the sacred texts by the princes. In another place [i, 134], the following injunction is expressly laid upon Droṇa by Bhīshma in giving him charge of the education of the princes: "Unstring your bow and teach these princes the science of arms." Droṇa was selected as a teacher because he was a specialist in that subject which was taught him by the great Ṛishi Agniveśa. "I was engaged there," says Droṇa, "in serving my preceptor, and lived with him for a long time as an humble-minded Brahmachārin with matted locks on my head." Droṇa was given for his residence by Bhīshma "a neat and tidy house, well-filled with paddy and every kind of goods", and commenced his instruction of the princes. He "gave instructions to all the princes in the science of arms".