Shloka 23
Droṇa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna-yuddha (द्रोण-धृष्टद्युम्न-युद्धम्) — Tactical duel and allied interventions
चिच्छेद निशितैर्बाणै: प्रहसन्निव भारत । अथैनं पज्चविंशत्या क्षुद्रकाणां समार्पयत्
ciccheda niśitair bāṇaiḥ prahasann iva bhārata | athainaṃ pañcaviṃśatyā kṣudrakāṇāṃ samārpayat ||
সঞ্জয় বললেন—হে ভারত! নকুল যেন হাসতে হাসতে তীক্ষ্ণ শর দিয়ে (দুঃশাসনের) ধনুক, তীর ও ধ্বজ ছিন্ন করল; তারপর পঁচিশটি ক্ষুদ্র, দ্রুতগামী শর দিয়ে তাকে আঘাত করে আহত করল।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights disciplined martial skill used within the battlefield code: disabling an opponent’s weapons and standard, then wounding him with measured strikes—showing how prowess and psychological composure function as part of kṣatriya-dharma in war.
Sañjaya reports that Nakula, appearing to smile, cuts down Duhśāsana’s bow, arrows, and banner with sharp arrows, and then hits him with twenty-five light arrows, injuring him.