Ekalavya is a character from the Hindu
epic, the Mahabharata. He was a young prince of the Nishadha, a confederation
of jungle tribes in Ancient India. Ekalavya aspired to study archery in the
gurukul of Guru Dronacharya, the greatest known teacher in the use of weaponry
and martial art knowledge at the time. He was son of Vyatraj Hiranyadhanus, a
talented soldier in the army of King of Magadha. Magadha was ruled by
Jarasandha, who was at odds with the Kingdom of Hastinapura. Ekalavya sincerely
sought the mentor of Dronacharya in weaponry and martial art. Ekalavya is
called as one of the foremost of kings in the Rajasuya Yagna where he honours
Yudhishthira with his shoes. Though he didn't have his right thumb, he was
noted as a very powerful archer and charioteer..
India
Post issued a commemorative stamp on Eklavya on 27th December 2013.
