Knowledge Bank

Who captured Drupada?

Dronacharya asked the Pandavas and Kauravas to capture King Drupada in the form of his guru-dakshina. This was their first real battle. They set out to Panchala. In the battle that ensued, initially, the Pandavas did not enter the city; they waited outside. The Kauravas went in alone and were badly defeated. Then the Pandavas went in. After causing great damage to Drupada's army, the Pandavas captured Drupada.

Role of wealth in Sanatana Dharma

In Sanatana Dharma, wealth (artha) is recognized as one of the four purusharthas or aims of life, alongside kama (desire), dharma (righteous duty), and moksha (liberation). Artha represents material prosperity, power, and worldly success, which are essential for fulfilling temporal goals and achieving a stable and contented life. Hindu philosophy regards the pursuit of wealth and power as a legitimate human aspiration, provided it is guided by dharma. When aligned with righteousness, the quest for wealth becomes a constructive force, enabling an individual to support themselves, their family, and their community. It ensures that material needs are met, creating a foundation for higher pursuits like spiritual growth. However, when the pursuit of wealth is unrestrained by ethical principles, it can transform into greed and lead to personal and societal harm. Thus, in Sanatana Dharma, wealth is seen as a means to an integrated life, rather than an end in itself, emphasizing balance and responsibility.