Shloka 64
Karna Reproves Shalya; Brahmin Reports on Bāhlīkas; Shalya’s Universalizing Rebuttal (कर्ण–शल्य संवादः)
तथा शल्यसमो नास्ति हयज्ञाने हि कश्षन । सो5यमभ्यधिक: कृष्णाद् भविष्यति रथो मम,अश्वविज्ञानमें भी शल्यके समान कोई नहीं है। शल्यके सारथि होनेपर मेरा यह रथ अर्जुनके रथसे बढ़ जायगा
tathā śalyasamo nāsti hayajñāne hi kaścana | so 'yam abhyadhikaḥ kṛṣṇād bhaviṣyati ratho mama ||
Karna sprach: „In der Pferdekunde gibt es niemanden, der Śalya gleicht. Wenn Śalya mein Wagenlenker ist, wird mein Wagen selbst den Arjunas übertreffen, den Kṛṣṇa führt.“
कर्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how warriors may place decisive faith in technical expertise and external advantages (a superior charioteer) rather than in dharma or inner discipline. It also underscores the epic’s recurring idea that the charioteer is not merely a driver but a symbol of guidance—strategic, psychological, and moral.
Karna is asserting confidence before battle by praising Shalya’s unmatched horsemanship. He claims that with Shalya driving his chariot, his side will gain an edge even over Arjuna’s chariot, which is famously guided by Krishna.