Shloka 34
Droṇa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna-yuddha (द्रोण-धृष्टद्युम्न-युद्धम्) — Tactical duel and allied interventions
द्रोणं द्रुपदपुत्रस्तु प्रतिविव्याध संयुगे । तावन्योन्यं सुसंक्रुद्धौ चक्रतु: सुभृशं॑ रणम्
sañjaya uvāca | droṇaṃ drupadaputrastu prativivyādha saṃyuge | tāv anyonyaṃ susaṃkruddhau cakratuḥ subhṛśaṃ raṇam |
Sañjaya said: In the thick of battle, Drupada’s son struck back at Droṇa. Then the two—each furious at the other—closed in and fought a duel of exceeding fierceness. Thus is it seen how private enmity and wounded pride can inflame the slaughter of war, even among masters of arms, when wrath eclipses restraint and the claims of dharma.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how anger and personal rivalry can escalate conflict beyond strategic necessity. Even within a dharma-framed war, unchecked wrath (krodha) can dominate conduct, making the battle more brutal and ethically precarious.
Sañjaya reports that Dhṛṣṭadyumna, the son of Drupada, counterattacks and wounds Droṇa in the fight. After this exchange, the two warriors, mutually enraged, engage in a very fierce one-on-one combat.