Shloka 50
शैनेयचरितम्
The Exploits of Śaineya/Sātyaki amid Encirclement
पृष्ठगोपास्तु तस्यासन् सौमदत्तिपुरोगमा: । कृपश्च वृषसेनश्व॒ शल: शल्यश्न दुर्जय:,भूरिश्रवा आदि वीर उसके पृष्ठ भागकी रक्षा करते थे। कृप, वृषसेन, शल और दुर्जय वीर शल्य--ये सभी नीतिज्ञ, महान् धनुर्धर एवं युद्धकुशल थे और इस प्रकार सिंधुराजकी रक्षाका प्रबन्ध करके वहाँ युद्ध कर रहे थे
sañjaya uvāca |
pṛṣṭhagopās tu tasyāsan saumadattipurogamāḥ |
kṛpaś ca vṛṣasenaś ca śalaḥ śalyaś ca durjayaḥ ||
Sanjaya said: Guarding his rear were warriors led by Saumadatti. Kripa, Vrishasena, Sala, Shalya, and the hard-to-conquer Durjaya stood as his protectors—seasoned in policy and discipline, great archers and skilled in battle—thus arranging the defence of the Sindhu king and fighting on that field.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the dharmic and strategic responsibility of protecting a key ally in war: capable warriors form a disciplined rear-guard, showing that leadership protection, coordinated defence, and adherence to martial duty are essential for sustaining an army’s purpose.
Sañjaya describes how a group of prominent Kaurava-side fighters, led by Saumadatti, are stationed to guard the rear of the Sindhu king (Jayadratha). They organize his protection and continue fighting, indicating a deliberate defensive formation around an important figure on the battlefield.