Shloka 18
अन्योन्यस्य धनुश्कछित्त्वा हयान् हत्वा च भारत । विरथावसियुद्धाय समीयतुरमर्षणौ
anyonyasya dhanuṣkṛt chittvā hayān hatvā ca bhārata | virathāv asi-yuddhāya samīyatur amarṣaṇau ||
Sañjaya said: “O Bhārata, after cutting each other’s bows and slaying the horses, the two, now without chariots and burning with anger, advanced toward one another to fight with swords face to face.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ethos of relentless engagement in battle: when primary weapons and chariots are lost, warriors continue with whatever means remain. Ethically, it portrays how anger (amarṣa) can intensify conflict, shifting from ranged combat to close, personal violence.
Two opposing warriors disable each other’s bows, kill the horses, and become chariotless. Enraged, they close the distance and prepare for direct sword combat.