Shloka 41
अध्याय ६० — कर्णस्य पाञ्चाल-सोमक-निग्रहः
Karna’s Suppression of the Panchala–Somaka Forces
निवृत्ते तु ततः कर्णे नकुल: कौरवान् ययौ । कर्णपुत्रस्तु समरे हित्वा नकुलमेव तु
nivṛtte tu tataḥ karṇe nakulaḥ kauravān yayau | karṇaputrastu samare hitvā nakulameva tu
Sañjaya said: When Karṇa had withdrawn from that encounter, Nakula advanced against the Kauravas. But Karṇa’s son, in the midst of battle, turned away and instead set upon Nakula alone.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a recurring ethical tension in epic warfare: even within a collective cause, combatants are often pulled into personal, targeted engagements. It underscores how intention and choice in battle—whom one confronts and why—shape the moral and strategic texture of the conflict.
After Karṇa withdraws from the immediate engagement, Nakula advances toward the Kaurava forces. At that moment Karṇa’s son, instead of pursuing a broader clash, abandons other targets and focuses his attack specifically on Nakula.