“Ashwatthama is dead…”: Ethics and Leadership

During the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas faced an impossible challenge—defeating Dronacharya, the most formidable warrior on the Kaurava side. As long as he held his weapons, the war wouldn’t end.

Krishna suggested a strategy: tell Drona that his son, Ashwatthama, was dead. When Yudhishthira—known for his unwavering truthfulness—reluctantly agreed, he uttered:
“Ashwatthama is dead…” and then softly added, “…the elephant.”

Drona only heard the first part. Overwhelmed by grief, he laid down his arms. He was then killed.

Though the tactic worked strategically, it came at a high personal cost. Until then, Yudhishthira’s chariot floated an inch above the ground—because of his truthfulness. After this lie, it touched the earth.

There could be three ways to view this ethically:

Utilitarianism:
Ends justify means ✅ Lying to stop Drona was right

Deontology:
Follow universal rules ❌ Misleading was wrong

Virtue Ethics:
Right depends on context