Shloka 7
Amba’s Disclosure of Prior Choice (Śālva) and Appeal to Bhīṣma — Chapter 171
योत्स्यते समरे तात मायावी समरप्रिय: । ये चास्य राक्षसा वीरा: सचिवा वशवर्तिन:
yotsyate samare tāta māyāvī samarapriyaḥ | ye cāsya rākṣasā vīrāḥ sacivā vaśavartinaḥ ||
বৎস! সেই মায়াবী, যুদ্ধপ্রিয় যোদ্ধা রণক্ষেত্রে অবশ্যই যুদ্ধ করবে। আর তার সঙ্গে যে বীর রাক্ষসরা—তার মন্ত্রী ও অনুচর—তারা সকলেই তার অধীন।
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a practical ethical-political insight: a battle-loving, deceptive leader can mobilize subordinates who are firmly under his influence; therefore, one must assess not only an individual opponent’s prowess but also the cohesion and obedience of his retinue.
Bhīṣma is describing an adversarial figure characterized by māyā (deception/illusion) and eagerness for combat, noting that the Rākṣasa warriors and counselors associated with him are loyal and controlled by him—emphasizing the organized threat posed by his group.