Shloka 263
Adhyāya 40 (Book 7, Droṇa-parva): Abhimanyu’s Rapid Advance and Battlefield Disruption
अवज्ञापूर्वकं शूर: सौभद्रस्य रणाजिरे । शूरवीर कर्णने समरांगणमें सुभद्राकुमारके सेवकोंको भी तीखे एवं उत्तम बाणोंद्वारा अवहेलनापूर्वक बींध डाला
avajñāpūrvakaṃ śūraḥ saubhadrasya raṇājire | śūravīraḥ karṇaḥ samara-aṅgaṇe subhadrākumārasya sevakān api tīkṣṇaiḥ uttamaiḥ bāṇaiḥ avajñayā viddhvā nyapātayat |
Sañjaya said: “In the thick of battle, the valiant Karṇa—acting with contempt—pierced even the attendants and followers of Abhimanyu (Saubhadra), Subhadrā’s son, with sharp and excellent arrows, cutting them down as though they were beneath his notice.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how avajñā (contempt) can distort warrior conduct: martial excellence becomes ethically compromised when directed with disdain toward weaker or subordinate fighters. It invites reflection on restraint and dignity even amid kṣatriya warfare.
Sañjaya reports that Karṇa, on the battlefield, not only confronts Abhimanyu’s side but also pierces and fells Abhimanyu’s attendants/retainers with sharp, superior arrows, doing so in a manner marked by contempt.