Shloka 12
द्रोणसेनापत्यं, व्यूहविन्यासः, उत्पातदर्शनं, आरम्भयुद्धम्
Droṇa’s Command, Battle-Formations, Omens, and Opening Engagement
संजय उवाच एवमुक्ते ततो द्रोणं जयेत्यूचुर्नराधिपा: । सिंहनादेन महता हर्षयन्तस्तवात्मजम्,संजय कहते हैं--राजन! दुर्योधनके ऐसा कहनेपर सब राजा अपने महान् सिंहनादसे आपके पुत्रका हर्ष बढ़ाते हुए द्रोणसे बोले--“आचार्य! आपकी जय हो”
sañjaya uvāca evam ukte tato droṇaṃ jayety ūcur narādhipāḥ | siṃhanādena mahatā harṣayantas tavātmajam ||
Sañjaya said: When Duryodhana had spoken thus, the assembled kings cried out, “Victory to Droṇa!” With a great lion-roar they sought to heighten the joy and confidence of your son, rallying around the commander they had chosen for the coming battle.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how collective speech and public acclamation shape morale in war: leaders are strengthened not only by strategy but by the visible loyalty and encouragement of allies, which can intensify resolve regardless of the ethical rightness of the cause.
After Duryodhana’s preceding words, the allied kings respond by loudly proclaiming victory to Droṇa. Their great battle-shout is meant to hearten Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s son (Duryodhana) and to affirm Droṇa’s leadership before the fighting.