When the Pandavas and the Kauravas finished their training,Drona acharya wanted to stage a public exibition of the skills the princes had acquired.Bhishma and Dhritarashtra agreed and all preparations were made.On the appointed day,Yudhishtira excelled with his use of the javelin.Bhima and Duryodhana excelled with the use of the mace and Nakula and Sahadeva with the use of the sword.

However,it was Arjuna who stole the show with his impressive display of archery.Bhishma and Drona were very happy and Drona took the liberty of declaring that his favourite student Arjuna was the best archer on earth.

No sooner than he said that,a figure emerged with a radiant armour and shinning jewels.It was Karna.He payed reverence to Drona acharya and then challenged Arjuna to a one on one contest.Kunti fainted when she recognised Karna.

The wise Vidura in trying to revive her discovered through his own special powers,the connection between Karna and Kunti.As Arjuna was approaching to commence the contest against Karna,Kripa acharya interrupted.He reminded them of the rules which states that all contestants could only fight with equals.

Kripa then told Karna that Arjuna was a Pandava prince and asked Karna what kingdom he came from.Karna hesitated to answer and Duryodhana came to his rescue.Eager to see Arjuna defeated,Duryodhana declared Karna as King of Anga.Having been proclaimed as King of Anga country, Karna pledged his loyalty and friendship to Duryodhana who also pledged his friendship with him.

Then Atiratha,Karna's father came and embraced him and everyone then knew that he was of low caste.Bhima now said his piece which was that only a Kshatriya could fight with a Kshatriya and not a Suta-Putra. Duryodhana protested and wanted the contest to begin but then came the sunset and the events of the day had to come to an end. Bhishma,Kripa ,Drona and the Pandavas all went home disappointed.

Pandit Bhadase Maharaj.

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