Shloka 46
अध्याय ६० — कर्णस्य पाञ्चाल-सोमक-निग्रहः
Karna’s Suppression of the Panchala–Somaka Forces
सौबलस्तस्य समरे क्रुद्धो राजन् प्रतापवान् । विदार्य कवचं भूयो ध्वजं चिच्छेद काज्चनम्,राजन! समरांगणमें कुपित हुए प्रतापी सुबलपुत्रने सात्यकिके कवचको छिउ्न-भिन्न करके उनके सुवर्णमय ध्वजको भी काट दिया
saubalastasya samare kruddho rājan pratāpavān | vidārya kavacaṃ bhūyo dhvajaṃ ciccheda kāñcanam ||
Sañjaya said: O King, in that battle the mighty son of Śubala, inflamed with wrath, tore apart his armor once again and then cut down his golden banner. The verse underscores how anger and prowess drive decisive acts in war, where honor is contested not only by killing but by stripping an opponent’s protection and insignia—symbols of status, morale, and martial reputation.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how, in the ethics of epic warfare, victory is pursued not only through lethal blows but also by breaking an enemy’s defenses and symbols of prestige (armor and banner). It also implicitly warns that wrath (krodha) can become a powerful but morally perilous driver of action, intensifying violence and humiliation in battle.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Saubala (Śakuni), enraged on the battlefield, rends his opponent’s armor and then severs the opponent’s golden standard—an act that damages protection and publicly diminishes the foe’s standing and morale.