Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c17.65

c17.65

**Arjuna the best Pupil.** "Though he gave equal instructions to all, yet Arjuna became the foremost of all in agility and skill." "Arjuna took a great deal of care in worshipping the preceptor; had great devotion to his study of the science of arms. Therefore he became a great favourite of Droṇa." "He practised with his bow even in the night." Pleased with him, Droṇa then taught him "the art of fighting on horseback, on the elephant, on the car, and on foot". He taught him "how to fight with clubs, the sword, the lance, the spear, and the dart. He taught him the use of many other weapons, and how to fight with superior numbers". As regards his other pupils, Duryodhana and Bhīma specialized in the art of fighting with clubs, Nakula and Sahadeva in handling the sword, Yudhishṭhira as a "car-warrior", while Aśvathāmā excelled in the use of all arms.