Drupada (??????), also known as Yajnasena, is a character in the Mah?bh?rata. He is king of the land of Panchala.

In his youth he studies with, and becomes a friend of Drona. Drona makes him promise to share all his fortunes with him. Later, when Drupada becomes king of Panchaladesa, Drona reminds him of his promise and asks for wealth. Drupada mocks Drona for taking a promise made in their irresponsible days of youth. Deeply angered, Drona becomes the teacher of the Kuru princes of Hastinapura. After their education is complete, Drona asks them to defeat Drupada. In a surprise attack, Arjuna, the Pandava, disarms Drupada and forces him to surrender a part of his kingdom.

Drupada is father to the reborn Amba, who in her next reincarnation took birth as a man called Shikhandi. Because Sikhandi remembered his previous birth as a woman he was sometimes known as Shikhandini.

In his quest to gain revenge on Drona, Drupada, with the aid of the devas, fathers Draupadi and Dhrishtadyumna, the latter finally killing Drona. Drupada himself is killed by Drona during the great Mah?bh?rata war.

Contrast with Shri Krishna

See Sudama

id:Drupada th:??????????