Shloka 75
Droṇa–Arjuna Yuddha; Trigarta-Āvaraṇa; Bhīmasena Gajānīka-bheda
Droṇa and Arjuna Engage; Trigarta Containment; Bhīma Breaks the Elephant Corps
ध्वजं केसरिणं चास्य चिच्छेद विशिखैस्त्रिभि: । निर्बिभेद त्रिभिश्षान्यै: सारथिं चास्य पत्रिभि:
dhvajaṃ kesariṇaṃ cāsya ciccheda viśikhaiḥ tribhiḥ | nirbibheda tribhiḥ anyaiḥ sārathiṃ cāsya patribhiḥ ||
Sañjaya said: With three sharp arrows he cut down his lion-emblazoned banner; and with three other feathered shafts he pierced his charioteer as well.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how, in war, strategic targets are chosen not only for physical advantage but also for psychological impact: severing the banner strikes at honor and identity, while disabling the charioteer undermines an opponent’s capacity to fight. It invites reflection on the ethical tension in kṣatriya warfare between skillful duty and the harsh means employed.
Sañjaya reports that a warrior shoots precisely: three arrows cut down the opponent’s lion-marked standard, and three other feathered arrows pierce the opponent’s charioteer, thereby weakening the chariot’s effectiveness in battle.