Shloka 13
धृतराष्ट्रस्य सत्कारः — Dhṛtarāṣṭra Honored in the Post-war Court
श्यालो द्रोणस्य यश्चवासीद् दयितो ब्राह्मणो महान् | सच तस्मिन् महेष्वास: कृप: समभवत् तदा,द्रोणाचार्यके प्रिय साले महान् ब्राह्मण महा-धनुर्धर कृपाचार्य तो उन दिनों सदा धृतराष्ट्रके ही पास रहते थे
śyālo droṇasya yaś cāvāsīd dayito brāhmaṇo mahān | sa ca tasmin maheṣvāsaḥ kṛpaḥ samabhavat tadā ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Drona’s brother-in-law—an eminent Brahmin who was dear to him—was the great archer Kṛpa; and at that time Kṛpa used to stay there, close by Dhṛtarāṣṭra. The verse underscores how bonds of kinship and trusted counsel continued to shape the royal household even after the devastation of war.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical role of trusted, learned elders in stabilizing a kingdom after catastrophe: kinship and Brahmin counsel (through Kṛpa) remain central to sustaining royal duty and continuity.
Vaiśampāyana identifies Kṛpa as Droṇa’s brother-in-law and a great archer, noting that he was present and residing near/with Dhṛtarāṣṭra during this period, indicating Kṛpa’s continued proximity to the Kuru court.