This episode of Mahabharata consists of a Training Montage of Arjun proving that he is Dronacharya’s best student. Of mention are Arjun practicing at night, the crocodile incident and the toy bird in a tree test.
When Karna tries to join Dronacharya’s school he is turned away, as Dronacharya claims it is “for princes only”. Dronacharya is called out for teaching his son Ashwathama in the same school.
Tropes found here are
- Hypocrite: Dronacharya turns Karna away for “not being born a warrior” yet has no objection to his own son Ashwathama - who is like Dronacharya, a Brahmin.
- Improbable Aiming Skills: Arjun displays them at a young age.
- Secret Test: The crocodile “attack” was a secret test of bravery. The Kauravas failed by running away to get help. That said, when Bhim calls out the Kauravas for cowardice, Dronacharya tells him it wasn’t cowardice but “arrogance”.
- The toy bird in a tree was a test of focus and concentration. Only Arjun passed because he was the only one who focused entirely on the bird and nothing else. This also served the purpose of shaming Dronacharya’s son Ashwathama into silence, as he had complained about Dronacharya favoring Arjun over him.
- Training Montage: A long one of Arjun improving his archery skill.
- "Well Done, Son" Guy: Ashwathama desperately wants his father to treat him as the favorite student. Dronacharya tells him that in their house, Ashwathama has his undivided adoration as his only son. But in school, his adoration must go to his best pupil. When Ashwathama asks for a chance to prove that he can also be the best student, Dronacharya sets up the toy bird in a tree test.
