Shloka 19
Droṇa’s Resolve to Restrain Yudhiṣṭhira and Arjuna’s Protective Vow (द्रोणस्य युधिष्ठिरनिग्रह-प्रयत्नः)
इस प्रकार श्रीमहाभारत द्रोणपर्वके अन्तर्गत द्रोणाभिषेकपर्वमें धृतराष््रविलापविषयक ग्यारहवाँ अध्याय पूरा हुआ,तस्य जिह्ममभिप्रायं ज्ञात्वा द्रोणो5थ तत्त्ववित् त॑ वरं सान्तरं तस्मै ददौ संचिन्त्य बुद्धिमान् राजन! द्रोणाचार्य प्रत्येक बातके वास्तविक तात्पर्यको तत्काल समझ लेनेवाले थे। दुर्योधनके उस कुटिल मनोभावको जानकर बुद्धिमान् द्रोणने मन-ही-मन कुछ विचार किया और अन्तर रखकर उसे वर दिया
tasyā jihmam abhiprāyaṁ jñātvā droṇo 'tha tattvavit | taṁ varaṁ sāntaraṁ tasmai dadau sañcintya buddhimān ||
Knowing the crooked intention behind his request, Droṇa—wise and discerning of the truth—reflected inwardly and then granted him the boon, but with a deliberate reservation.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Discernment must guide action: when confronted with a request rooted in deceit, a wise person may respond cautiously, granting what is due while preventing harm—balancing duty, consequences, and moral responsibility.
Droṇa perceives the hidden, crooked motive in Duryodhana’s approach. After reflecting, he grants a boon or assurance, but does so with a protective reservation—signaling strategic and ethical caution within the unfolding war leadership.