Shloka 12
धृतराष्ट्र–संजय संवादः: कर्ण–घटोत्कचयोर्निशायुद्धवर्णनम्
Dhṛtarāṣṭra–Sañjaya Dialogue: Description of the Night Engagement of Karṇa and Ghaṭotkaca
नारिं जित्वातिकत्थन्ते न च जल्पन्ति दुर्वच:
nāriṃ jitvā'tikatthante na ca jalpanti durvacaḥ
Sañjaya said: Having conquered a woman, they boast excessively; yet those harsh-tongued men do not speak with proper restraint. The verse censures empty bravado and cruel speech, implying that true valor and dharma are shown in self-control and respectful conduct, not in humiliating the vulnerable.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Boasting after overpowering the vulnerable—especially a woman—and speaking harshly are condemned; dharma is reflected in restraint, humility, and disciplined speech rather than in cruel triumphalism.
Sañjaya comments critically on certain men’s behavior: after gaining an easy or improper victory over a woman, they indulge in loud self-praise and continue to use abusive, unrestrained speech.