Reading Diary Week 5 PDE Mahabharata (B)

Ekalavya: wants Drona to train him in archery, but Drona says no because he is a Bhil (aboriginal, outside of caste system, "highwaymen and cattle-lifters" "It would be akin to impart unto one of them great knowledge in the use of weapons."
      Ekalvya is heart-broken, resolves to become a warrior anyway; makes a clay statue of Drona, worships it and practices until he is a famous archer
     Drona and princes go hunting in Bhil kingdom, Ekalvya tells them he is "a pupil of Drona", kisses his feet; Drona says Ekalvya owes him a reward, Ek offers "whatsoever thou dost desire", Drona asks for his right thumb, Ek cheerfully cuts it off and gives it to him
     After, had to draw bow with middle fingers, but "lost his surpassing skill"

Story ideas: Ekalvya hears that Drona is coming, prepares to meet his idol; after incident, faced with statue and regret

Ekalvya offers Drona his thumb (Source)

Karna: son of young Kunti and sun god; enters contest against Arjuna, who is angry at having been matched

Duryodhana, jealous of Arjuna, makes Karna a king

Kara's adopted father appears, Bhima mocks Karna for his assumed lineage

"Karna grew pale with wrath; his lips quivered, but he answered not a word. He heaved a deep sigh and looked towards the sun."

Story idea: Kunti watching her two sons, the only one who knows that they are brothers; or, Yuhishthira, the scholarly eldest brother, sees his mother's reaction and suspects she knows something