Shloka 19
भीष्मकं च महावीर्य दन््तवक्रं च भूमिपम् । भगदत्तं यूपकेतुं जयत्सेनं च मागधम्
bhīṣmakaṃ ca mahāvīrya dantavakraṃ ca bhūmipam | bhagadattaṃ yūpaketuṃ jayatsenaṃ ca māgadham ||
Śiśupāla continued his pointed speech, naming renowned rulers: “Bhīṣmaka of great might; Dantavakra, lord of the land; King Bhagadatta; Yūpaketu; and Jayatsena of Magadha,” invoking their fame and power as part of his argument over rank and honor among sovereigns in the royal assembly.
शिशुपाल उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores how public discourse in a royal assembly often appeals to reputation and the roster of powerful kings; ethically, it highlights the tension between genuine merit and rhetorical use of names and status to sway judgment.
In the Sabha (court) setting, Śiśupāla is speaking and lists prominent rulers—Bhīṣmaka, Dantavakra, Bhagadatta, Yūpaketu, and Jayatsena of Magadha—using their renown to strengthen his ongoing argument and challenge the prevailing honor being accorded in the assembly.