Mahabharata — Bhishma Parva, Shloka 75
Droṇa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna-yuddha (द्रोण-धृष्टद्युम्न-युद्धम्) — Tactical duel and allied interventions
कुन्तिभोजसुतश्चापि विन्दं विव्याध सायकै: । सचतं प्रतिविव्याध तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्
sañjaya uvāca |
kuntibhojasutaś cāpi vindaṁ vivyādha sāyakaiḥ |
sa cataṁ prativivyādha tad adbhutam ivābhavat ||
Sañjaya said: The son of Kuntibhoja also pierced Vinda with his arrows. Vinda, in turn, struck him back, wounding him severely. The swift exchange of blows appeared almost wondrous amid the fury of battle.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ethos of facing force with force in a regulated combat setting: courage, readiness, and immediate response. Ethically, it underscores reciprocity and accountability in battle—actions invite consequences—while also admiring disciplined martial prowess rather than cruelty.
Sañjaya describes a brief duel: the son of Kuntibhoja wounds Vinda with arrows, and Vinda immediately retaliates, grievously wounding him. The rapid, evenly matched exchange is portrayed as astonishing amid the larger war.