Shloka 15
Droṇa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna-yuddha (द्रोण-धृष्टद्युम्न-युद्धम्) — Tactical duel and allied interventions
तत: कोसलराजासावभिमन्योर्विशाम्पते । ध्वजं चिच्छेद समरे सारथिं च न्यपातयत्
tataḥ kosalarājāsāv abhimanyor viśāmpate | dhvajaṃ ciccheda samare sārathiṃ ca nyapātayat ||
Sañjaya said: Then the king of Kosala—O lord of the people—cut down Abhimanyu’s banner in the midst of battle and struck down his charioteer.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how warfare often targets not only the warrior but also the supports and symbols that sustain him—banner and charioteer—revealing the harsh, strategic nature of kṣatriya combat and the ethical strain such tactics place on all participants.
Sañjaya reports that the king of Kosala (identified in the tradition as Bṛhadbala) engages Abhimanyu and, during the fight, cuts down Abhimanyu’s chariot-banner and brings down his charioteer, thereby weakening Abhimanyu’s immediate battle position.