Drupada, also known as Yajnasena, is a character in the Mahabharata. He is king of the land of Panchala. The Mahabharata (Devanagari: महाभारत, phonetically Mahābhārata - see note), sometimes just called Bharata, is one of the two major ancient Sanskrit epics of India, the other being the Ramayana. ... The position of the Panchala kingdom in Iron Age Vedic India. ...

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 half the kingdom. Drupada treats Drona with respect, but firmly refuses to give up his lands in token of a promise made in irresponsible youth. Deeply angered, Drona becomes the teacher of the Kuru princes of Hastinapura. After therir 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. In the epic Mahabharata, Drona (or Dronacharya) is the royal guru to the Kauravas and the Pandavas. ...

Drupada is father to the reborn Amba, who is known as the man Shikhandi, but who was born as a girl, sometimes known as Shikhandini. Amba was the eldest daughter of King of Kashi. ... Shikandi is a character in the Mahabharata. ...

In his quest to gain revenge on Drona, Drupada, with the aid of the Gods, fathers Draupadi and Dhrishtadyumna, the latter finally killing Drona. Drupada himself is killed in his sleep after the great battle, by Drona's son Ashwathama. In the Hindu epic Mahabharata, Draupadi is the daughter of King Drupada, and becomes the wife of the five Pandavas. ... In the Mahabharata, Dhristadyumna is the adopted son of King Drupada of Panchala. ... In the Hindu epic Mahabharata, Ashwatthama was the son of guru, Dronacharya. ...