Shloka 48
Karna Reproves Shalya; Brahmin Reports on Bāhlīkas; Shalya’s Universalizing Rebuttal (कर्ण–शल्य संवादः)
अद्य दुर्योधनाहं त्वां नन्दयिष्ये सबान्धवम् | निहत्य समरे वीरमर्जुनं जयतां वरम्,दुर्योधन! आज मैं समरभूमिमें विजयी पुरुषोंमें श्रेष्ठ वीर अर्जुनका वध करके बन्धु- बान्धवोंसहित तुम्हें आनन्दित करूँगा
adya duryodhanāhaṃ tvāṃ nandayiṣye sabāndhavam | nihatya samare vīram arjunaṃ jayatāṃ varam ||
Karna sprach: „Heute, o Duryodhana, werde ich dich samt all deinen Verwandten erfreuen. Wenn ich im Kampf den heldenhaften Arjuna erschlage — den Ersten unter den Siegreichen —, bringe ich dir Freude.“
कर्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how personal loyalty and the desire to please an ally can intensify violent resolve. Ethically, it illustrates the Mahābhārata’s recurring tension: vows and friendship may be pursued with great valor, yet the chosen means—seeking another’s death—raises questions about righteous intention (dharma) versus destructive ambition.
Karna addresses Duryodhana and declares that he will make him rejoice by killing Arjuna in the battle. It is a boastful vow meant to reassure Duryodhana and assert Karna’s confidence and commitment on the battlefield.