Shloka 24
Adhyāya 107 — बहुयुद्धप्रकरणम्
Multiple Defensive Engagements to Protect Bhīṣma
सारथिं चास्य विव्याध त्वरमाण: पराक्रमी । पराक्रमी द्रोणाचार्यने भी झुकी हुई गाँठवाले बाणोंसे द्रपदको घायल करके बड़ी उतावलीके साथ उनके सारथिको भी बींध डाला ।। २३ ई ।। पीड्यमानस्ततो राजा ट्रुपदो वाहिनीमुखे
sārathiṃ cāsya vivyādha tvaramāṇaḥ parākrāmī |
Sañjaya said: The valiant warrior, acting with urgent speed, pierced Drupada’s charioteer as well. The scene underscores the ruthless momentum of battle, where even those who merely enable a fighter—like the driver of the chariot—become targets, revealing how war rapidly erodes ordinary restraints and compassion.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how warfare’s urgency can override normal moral boundaries: even non-combatant support roles (like a charioteer) are drawn into lethal danger. It invites reflection on the ethical cost of battle and the way violence expands its circle of harm.
Sañjaya reports that a powerful warrior, rushing forward, shoots and pierces Drupada’s charioteer. It is part of the fast-moving combat sequence in which Drupada’s side is being pressed and key figures around him are struck.