Everyone in Mahabharata knew about Yudhisthira’s penchant for always telling the truth. Dronacharya, the teacher of the Pandavas and Kauravas was virtually unassailable on the battlefield. The Pandavas could not have defeated him in a straight fight. So Krishna convinced Yudhisthira to tell a half-lie – not technically a lie.
Yudhisthira announced that Ashwatthama was dead – but the elephant.
Drona, not doubting Yudhisthira’s word for one second, became sad for his son’s loss. Dhristhadumnya chopped his head off.
