Shloka 65
Karna Reproves Shalya; Brahmin Reports on Bāhlīkas; Shalya’s Universalizing Rebuttal (कर्ण–शल्य संवादः)
एवं कृते रथस्थो5हं गुणैरभ्यधिको<र्जुनात् । भवे युधि जयेयं च फाल्गुनं कुरुसत्तम
evaṁ kṛte rathastho ’haṁ guṇair abhyadhiko ’rjunāt | bhave yudhi jayeyam ca phālgunaṁ kurusattama ||
If this is done, then I—standing upon my chariot—will surpass Arjuna in prowess and qualities, and in battle I shall defeat Phālguna. O best of the Kurus, let this be accomplished.
कर्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the warrior ethic of seeking victory through readiness, support, and confidence in one’s abilities—yet it also implicitly warns how pride and rivalry can drive ethical choices in war.
Karna, addressing a Kuru leader (likely Duryodhana), asserts that if the requested arrangement is carried out, he will surpass Arjuna and defeat him in battle, emphasizing his dependence on proper chariot-positioning and enabling conditions.