Shloka 59
Karna Reproves Shalya; Brahmin Reports on Bāhlīkas; Shalya’s Universalizing Rebuttal (कर्ण–शल्य संवादः)
तस्य मे सारथि: शल्यो भवत्वसुकर: परै: । नाराचान् गार्ध्रपत्रांक्ष शकटानि वहन्तु मे,शत्रुओंसे सुगमतापूर्वक जीते न जा सकनेवाले राजा शल्य मेरे सारथि हो जायेँ और बहुत-से छकड़े मेरे पास गीधकी पाँखोंसे युक्त नाराच पहुँचाते रहें
tasya me sārathiḥ śalyo bhavatv asukaraḥ paraiḥ | nārācān gārdhrapatrākṣa śakaṭāni vahantu me ||
Karna said: “Let Shalya be my charioteer—one whom the enemy cannot easily overcome. And let many carts keep bringing me nārāca arrows, their shafts fitted with vulture-feathers, so that I may press the battle without hindrance against my foes.”
कर्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in a dharmic war, success depends not only on personal valor but also on right support—skilled allies, disciplined logistics, and clear command. The verse also hints at the ethical tension of relying on external power while driven by rivalry and ambition.
Karna, preparing for decisive combat, demands that King Shalya serve as his charioteer and that carts continuously supply him with powerful nārāca arrows. It is a strategic request meant to secure both expert chariot-handling and uninterrupted ammunition in the heat of battle.