Shloka 18
Bhīṣma-parva Adhyāya 16 — Saṃjaya’s Boon, Bhīṣma’s Protection, and the Dawn Arraying of Armies
एते चान्ये च बहवो दुर्योधनवशानुगा: । राजानो राजपुत्राश्न नीतिमन्तो महारथा:
ete cānye ca bahavo duryodhanavaśānugāḥ | rājāno rājaputrāś ca nītimanto mahārathāḥ ||
Sañjaya said: “These, and many others besides, are kings and royal princes—men of policy and great chariot-warriors—who have come under Duryodhana’s control and follow his command.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how political power and personal influence can draw even capable, policy-minded rulers into obedience; ethical judgment in war is shaped not only by valor but by allegiance and the sway of leadership.
Sañjaya continues listing and characterizing the forces aligned with the Kauravas, noting that many kings and princes—renowned as great warriors and skilled in statecraft—are following Duryodhana’s command.