Shloka 78
दुर्योधन-कर्ण-संवादः
Duryodhana–Karna Dialogue on Vyūha-bheda and Daiva
एवमुक्त्वा महाराज द्रुपदो5क्षौहिणीपति: । पुरस्कृत्य रणे पार्थान् द्रोणमभ्यद्रवद् द्रतम्,महाराज! ऐसा कहकर एक अक्षौहिणी सेनाके स्वामी राजा ट्रुपदने रणक्षेत्रमें कुन्तीके पुत्रोंको आगे करके तुरंत ही द्रोणाचार्यपर धावा बोल दिया
evam uktvā mahārāja drupado 'kṣauhiṇīpatiḥ | puraskṛtya raṇe pārthān droṇam abhyadravad drutam ||
Sañjaya said: “Having spoken thus, O King, Drupada—the commander of an akṣauhiṇī—placed the sons of Pṛthā at the fore in the battle and swiftly charged straight at Droṇa.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores kṣatriya leadership and battlefield ethics: a commander acts decisively, arranges forces with intent, and confronts the principal threat directly. It also reflects the Mahābhārata’s recurring tension between personal bonds (Droṇa as revered teacher) and the harsh necessities of war.
After making a statement (in the preceding context), Drupada—commanding an akṣauhiṇī—advances in battle by placing the Pāṇḍavas at the forefront and immediately charges toward Droṇa, signaling an urgent attempt to engage or check Droṇa’s power on the field.