Shloka 20
त॑ दहन्तमनीकानि द्रोणपुत्र: प्रतापवान् । पूर्वाभिभाषी सुश्लक्ष्णं स्मयमानो5भ्यभाषत,राजा नीलको कौरव-सेनाका दहन करते देख प्रतापी द्रोणपुत्र अश्वत्थामाने, जो पहले स्वयं ही वार्तालाप आरम्भ करनेवाला था, मुसकराते हुए मधुर वचनोंमें कहा--
tān dahantam anīkāni droṇaputraḥ pratāpavān | pūrvābhibhāṣī suślakṣṇaṁ smayamāno ’bhyabhāṣata ||
Sañjaya said: Seeing him burning through the battle-formations, the mighty son of Droṇa—Aśvatthāmā, quick to speak first—addressed him with gentle, well-chosen words, smiling. The scene shows how, amid war’s violence, speech itself becomes a weapon: courtesy and composure are used to frame, justify, or redirect action in accordance with one’s perceived duty.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in the midst of destructive warfare, one’s manner of speech—gentle, composed, and strategic—reflects inner intent and can shape moral perception. The verse highlights how rhetoric may accompany violence, framing actions as duty or necessity.
Sañjaya describes Aśvatthāmā observing a warrior who is devastating the opposing formations; Aśvatthāmā then initiates conversation and addresses him with polished, gentle words while smiling.