Mahabharata Quiz

Bheemasena (Bhima) was the strongest of the Pandava brothers and sworn protector of Draupadi. After Dushasana attempted to disrobe Draupadi in the Hastinapura court, Bhima made a terrible vow to kill Dushasana and drink his blood as revenge. This vow was fulfilled during the Kurukshetra war.

Balarama, the elder brother of Krishna, is traditionally depicted as carrying a plough (hal) as his weapon. He is an avatar of Shesha Naga, the divine serpent, and the plough symbolizes his role as a deity of agriculture and farming. Unlike other warriors who used traditional weapons like swords or maces, Balarama's plough was unique to his character.

Kamapilya (also known as Kampilya) was the capital city of the ancient kingdom of Panchala. Panchala was the kingdom of Draupadi's father, King Drupada. The other options are capitals of different kingdoms: Dwaraka was Krishna's city, Matsya was the kingdom where the Pandavas spent their final year in exile, and Magadha was Jarasandha's kingdom.

Bakasura was a powerful Rakshasa who terrorized the village of Ekachakra by demanding daily food offerings including humans. When the Pandavas were living in disguise in Ekachakra, Bheema took on the task of killing Bakasura. In a fierce wrestling match, Bheema killed the demon and freed the village from his tyranny. Vanasura, Vrajasura, and Banasura refer to other demons in Hindu mythology.

Gatotkacha (Ghatotkacha) was the son of Bheema and Hidimbaa, a Rakshasi woman whom Bheema married during the Pandavas' forest exile. Gatotkacha inherited both divine strength from his father (being Vayu's grandson) and magical powers from his mother. He played a crucial role in the Kurukshetra war, particularly in fighting Karna. Draupadi was Bheema's wife, not Gatotkacha's mother.

The House of Lac (Lakshagriha) was a specially constructed palace made of highly flammable lacquer and other combustible materials, built by the architect Purochana under Duryodhana's orders. Duryodhana's plan was to burn the Pandavas alive inside the house. However, Vidura warned the Pandavas, and they escaped through a tunnel before the house was set on fire, while a Nishada woman and her children perished in the fire.

While there are several significant friendships in the Mahabharata, Duryodhana and Karna's friendship stands out as the most iconic example of loyalty and sacrifice. Despite Karna knowing the Pandavas were his brothers, he remained loyal to Duryodhana who had supported him when others rejected him for his supposed low birth. Karna ultimately died fighting for Duryodhana's cause. Krishna and Arjuna's relationship is more of divine guidance, Drona and Drupada were actually enemies, and Draupadi and Subhadra were sisters-in-law.

As his Guru-Dakshina (teacher's fee), Drona asked Ekalavya for his right thumb. Ekalavya, who had learned archery on his own by worshipping a clay statue of Drona, immediately cut off his right thumb and presented it to his guru. This cruel demand effectively ended Ekalavya's archery career, as the thumb is essential for holding a bowstring. Drona demanded this because he wanted to ensure that Arjuna would remain the greatest archer.

After the Kurukshetra war, Yudhishthira performed the Ashwamedha Yagna (Horse Sacrifice) to proclaim his sovereignty and undisputed rule over the kingdom. In this ritual, a consecrated horse was allowed to roam freely for a year, and any ruler who did not accept Yudhishthira's suzerainty had to challenge the horse's guards. Rajasuya Yagna was performed earlier, before the dice game.

Dronacharya (Drona) was the son of Rishi Bharadvaja (also spelled Bhardwaja), making him a Brahmin by birth. He learned warfare from his father and Parasurama, and became the royal preceptor to both the Pandava and Kaurava princes. His father Bharadvaja was a revered sage in Hindu tradition.

To solve this question, the user needs to know about the Rajasuya Yagna and the customs followed during the ceremony. The Rajasuya Yagna was a royal consecration ceremony performed by ancient Indian kings to declare their sovereignty. During this ceremony, the king would offer worship to various deities and important personalities.

Option A: Balarama is an avatar of Lord Vishnu and the elder brother of Lord Krishna. However, there is no mention of Yudhisthira offering the first worship to Balarama during the Rajasuya Yagna. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

Option B: Dhritarashtra is the father of the Kauravas in the Mahabharata. However, there is no mention of Yudhisthira offering the first worship to Dhritarashtra during the Rajasuya Yagna. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

Option C: Bhishma is the grandfather of the Pandavas and Kauravas in the Mahabharata. He was a respected figure in the kingdom and a great warrior. However, there is no mention of Yudhisthira offering the first worship to Bhishma during the Rajasuya Yagna. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

Option D: Lord Krishna is one of the most important and beloved deities in Hindu mythology. He is considered an avatar of Lord Vishnu and is revered as a god of compassion, tenderness, and love. According to the Mahabharata, Yudhisthira offered the first worship to Lord Krishna during the Rajasuya Yagna. Therefore, this option is correct.

The Answer is: D

Eklavya was a Nishada prince who learned archery through dedication and devotion to Drona, using a clay statue. His father was Hiranyadhanu (also called Hiranyadhanus), the chief of the Nishadas - a tribal community known for hunting skills. Drona was Eklavya's guru (in absentia), not his father. Dhritharashtra and Pandu were Kuru princes, unrelated to Eklavya.

After being insulted by Drupada (who mocked him for being poor despite being a Brahmin), Dronacharya went to Hastinapura. There, he became the royal guru (teacher) for the Kuru princes - both the Pandavas and Kauravas. This was a turning point that led to the legendary rivalry between Drona's students (Arjuna) and Drupada's son (Dhrishtadyumna). Indraprastha was built later by the Pandavas. Kishkindha is the monkey kingdom from Ramayana. Panchala was Drupada's kingdom where the insult occurred.