Ekalavya
Ekalavya had a warrior rank of MahaRathi. Ekalavya was the adopted son of Hiranyadhanus, the chief of the Nishadas, who found the former when he had been abandoned as an infant by Krishna’s uncle and aunt. Ekalavya’s adoptive father, Hiranyadhanus, was the commander-in-chief of the armies of Krishna’s enemy and the most powerful king of the period, Jarasandha. Ekalavya himself served under Magadha King Jarasandha’s army as a general. After the death of Jarasandha and Hiranyadhanus, He became King of Nishadas. He expanded his Kingdom. He was present in the inner hall as an honored guest at Yuddhishtira’s Rajasuya Yajna. Later, He attacked Dwaraka multiple times and was eventually killed by Krishna.
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“O Bharata, for bathing Yudhishthira at the conclusion of the sacrifice, many kings with the greatest alacrity, themselves brought there in a state of purity many excellent jars (containing water). And king Vahlika brought there a car decked with pure gold. And king Sudakshina himself yoked thereto four white horses of Kamboja breed, and Sunitha of great might fitted the lower pole and the ruler of Chedi with his own hands took up and fitted the flag-staff. And the king of the Southern country stood ready with the coat of mail; the ruler of Magadha, with garlands of flowers and the head-gear; the great warrior Vasudana with a sixty years old elephant, the king of Matsya, with the side-fittings of the car, all encased in gold; king Ekalavya, with the shoes;” – The Mahabharata, Book 2: Sabha Parva: Sisupala-badha Parva: Section LII
“Ekalavya, the king of the Nishadas, always used to challenge this one to battle; but slain by Krishna he lay dead like the Asura Jambha violently thrashed on a hillock.” – The Mahabharata, Book 5: Udyoga Parva: Sanat-sujata Parva: Section XLVIII
